While I love Mexican food, I can never get my boys to eat anything other than cheese quesadillas. Not wanting to make separate dinners for the adults and the children, I discovered away to make it work – Mexican pasta bake. This twist on tacos let’s me enjoy the flavors I love, while also meeting the approval of my boys.

INGREDIENTS
- 1lb lean ground beef
- 1 can Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes w/ Chipotle (Ro*tel tomatoes w/green chili’s would work too)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese – nacho/Mexican variety works best
- 1 box spiral/penne/elbow noodles (your choice)
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the ground beef, adding your diced bell pepper when the beef is about 1/2 way done. After browning, add taco seasoning, following directions on the packet. On another burner, prepare your pasta according to the directions and drain. Add both the ground beef mixture and the pasta to an oven safe casserole dish. Mix in the diced tomatoes and the cheese. Place in over for 20 minutes at 325.
This post is part of Mouthwatering Monday. Click on the link and check out more great recipes!

That looks so yummy! Send samples!
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This looks great and easy too – which I love
! Might need to try it very soon! Yummy!
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that looks very tasty-I think we are going to try this this week.
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Yum I casserole recipes. I’m adding this to my menu list.
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Yum I love casserole recipes. I’m adding this to my menu list.
.-= Allison´s last blog ..Flax Seed Bread, Whole Wheat and Wheat Germ Bread =-.
yummy, easy and kid friendly.. awesome!
I love quick pasta bakes and the chipotle tomatoes.. GREAT addition!
okay, so we decided to try it tonight because I totally forgot to take the roast out of the freezer-it smells delish….about to devour it.
.-= Domestic Extraordinaire´s last blog ..Weekly Winners-My baby sister is engaged Edition =-.
This looks like it has the potential to become a favorite at our house. The kids love noodles, I like to try new things.
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Looks like a very tasty twist on mexican food. Do the kids eat it without all the cheese?
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I finally made this last night. I used diced tomatoes without peppers (as you suggested in your e-mail reply to my comment). It was great. My kids both ate some, and my husband said, “I give it an “A.” Thanks!
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Yeah, having kids can be a real downer for foodies; you always have to make compromises to please everyone. Recipes like these ease the pain a little bit though, so thanks!
Reading this recipe late at night makes me a mouthwatering midnight. I put this recipe on my shopping list for tomorrow – it look delicious!