Memorial Day Easy Recipe Travels Well: Beef Taco Pasta Casserole

From Denny:  Looking for a new family favorite that doesn't break the bank or take forever to make?  It's a simple, straight forward main dish that can travel well to family reunions, potluck dinners, picnics and Memorial Day or Labor Day and summer outings with friends and family when a dish is requested to bring to the event.  It's an easy dish for Saturday night casual or a busy week night when the family is going in twenty different directions as you can scoop up a serving and reheat it in the microwave with ease.

This recipe calls for browning the beef in butter or olive oil.  I always clarify my butter, even letting it brown a bit to give it a nutty flavor (then straining off the crispy milk solids) so awesome for casserole dishes like this that bake with cheese.  As far as spices go, I'd add some extra cumin, smokey paprika and garlic powder.  Some fresh chopped cilantro would be awesome too!  

If you wanted to try a twist on the salsa you could try using the organic marinara sauce under the Trader Joe's brand we love at our house - one of the few sauces out of a jar that actually tastes terrific, without any sugar added is a bonus!

As to cheese, I'd add another cup of a good melting cheese like a Mexican fresh farmer's cheese or a mozzarella, whatever you enjoy.  This is an easy casserole that can take on the personality of your favorite tastes so experiment and tailor it to your family's taste.

Serve this easy casserole with a large green salad or some grilled veggies like zucchini sliced long to show off those well-earned grill marks.  This casserole freezes well and reheats just fine in the microwave.  Except for the ground beef and the cheddar cheese the rest of the recipe comes out of your pantry.  This casserole is one of those easy recipes when you are too tired to make something more complicated.  What more could you ask for anyway?

This is Memorial Day weekend so stay safe on the roads!  And please remember America's fallen of many wars past, saying a prayer for their families.

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Taco Pasta Casserole

Serves:  8 
From:  Baton Rouge, Louisiana local food editor who retreaded it from a 1999 newspaper clipping featuring Betty Price

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1 (1.5-oz.) packet taco seasoning mix
1 Tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 (12-oz.) box shell pasta
2 (14.5-oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (11-oz.) jar chunky salsa
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. In large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and drain off excess liquid.

2. Add taco seasoning, blend and set aside.

3. Sauté onions and pepper in butter or olive oil until tender, then stir into the cooked meat. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.

4. Mix meat mixture, cooked pasta, tomatoes, salsa and half of the grated cheese together. Spoon mixture into a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking dish which has been sprayed with nonfat cooking spray.

5. Top with remaining cheese and bake in preheated 375˚F oven for about 25-30 minutes or until heated well.

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