Tex Mex Ziti
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with Tex Mex Ziti, a bold and comforting fusion of Italian pasta and Tex-Mex flavors! This hearty baked pasta dish combines tender ziti, seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, black beans, and a zesty tomato-based sauce infused with taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Creamy sour cream and a generous layer of melted Mexican blend cheese bring the whole casserole together, creating an irresistibly gooey and satisfying bite. Perfectly baked until bubbling and golden, it’s topped with fresh green onions and optional cilantro for a burst of freshness. Quick to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd, this one-pan dinner is a guaranteed family favorite. Whether you're hosting a casual weeknight dinner or craving something cheesy and bold, Tex Mex Ziti is your answer to a flavorful, easy meal!
The Toxic-Free Cutting Board
Medical-grade titanium. No microplastics. No bacteria. No compromises.
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1.5 cups tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine.
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the beef and vegetable mixture, 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, and the sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Pour the ziti mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top.
Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
659 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.3 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 103 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 945 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.4 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g | ||
| Protein | 33.0 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 388 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 859 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
