Quicky Taco Pasta Casserole

jswinks's Note:

Quick to make, and the ideal comfort food. No need for taco seasoning packet. I adapted this recipe based off of Quicky Ground Turkey or Beef Casserole, and we loved it! I made so many changes to that recipe, that I am creating this new one. Chili powder measurement is to taste. You can also make this vegetarian by omitting the ground meat. Consider topping with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, olives, green onion, etc.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb ground turkey or 1 lb ground beef
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups shell pasta or 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup light sour cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Brown and drain ground meat. Add in garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Add black beans towards end of simmering (to heat through).
3. Cook noodles according to package while meat mixture simmers. Drain noodles and return to pot. Stir in sour cream. (Part of my family prefers non-creamy dinners, so we left the sour cream to be used as a topping, and just mixed the noodles and meat mix together rather than layering).
4. In buttered dish, layer noodle mixture, meat/bean mixture, then cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
6. Serve with tortilla chips.