Mexican Pasta Bake

This is an easy pasta bake with delicious Mexican flavors. The balanced flavors of this pasta bake makes it addictively delicious and satisfying. This can be served with guacamole and sour cream.

Salsa is used in this recipe as sauce which gives the classic Mexican flavors. When baked with cheese, mmmm...delish! To make this extra creamier and richer and two tablespoons of sour cream and about 1.5 cups shredded cheese to the pasta mixture before layering. I guarantee that this will be one of the dish that would be often made in your home. Plus, this is a crowd pleaser. The recipe can be easily doubled or even halved. Both kids and adults would love this equally and is easy to prepare. 

I have used store-bought salsa, homemade salsa cab ne used too. Also, use spicier or mild salsa as per your taste palette. When canned bean and corn are used, the prep time is very less. When the pasta cooks, everything can be made ready. Mix and bake. This is a easy weeknight dinner too. When it bakes, the next day's prep work can be focused or just relax with a drink or spend some quality time with family. Another great plus for this bake is that the leftovers are great for a couple of days when stored in fridge. This can be packed as next day lunch. Homemade lunch is always great. Shredded Jack and Cheddar cheese mix is used in this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite cheese. I would love pepper jack and habanero jack cheese too in this recipe for a fiery kick.

This is my second post for this week's blogging marathon. I shared the Tiktok viral pasta - Baked Feta Pasta earlier. Slow cooker version of Vegetarian Chili Mac is delicious and a must try just like this one. I am also linking this to Full Plate Thursday, Sundays on Silverado, and Happiness is Homemade.

Ingredients
Serves 8-10

Elbow pasta - 2 cup
Water to cook pasta

Salt - 2 tsp

Salsa - 5.5 cup

Black beans - 1 cup, cooked

Corn - 1.5 cup, frozen or canned

Pickled jalapenos - 3 tbsp, chopped

Shredded cheese - 2.5 cup

Cilantro - 3 tbsp

For garnish

A few jalapenos  

Cilantro - 1 tsp

Boil the pasta according to package directions and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the black beans and corn, followed by salsa, cilantro, and jalapenos. 

Mix thoroughly.

In a 8x11-in baking dish, add half cup salsa at the bottom and spread it. Add half the pasta mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheese. Spread the remaining pasta evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and add a few slices of jalapenos. 

Bake for 45 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro. Serve warm with guacamole and/or sour cream.