Taco Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Taco Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful and comforting casserole that combines al dente spaghetti with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauces, diced tomatoes and chilies, and a generous topping of melted Mexican blend cheese. This easy-to-make dish perfectly blends Italian and Tex-Mex flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for families or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti – cooked al dente, drained
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- Salt and pepper – optional, to taste
- ⅓ cup onions, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cans Rotel diced tomatoes and chilis (10 ounce cans each)
- 4 cups shredded Mexican or taco blend cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper (if using). Crumble the beef as it cooks and sauté until fully browned and onions are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Creams: Stir in the taco seasoning, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and both cans of diced tomatoes and chilies. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine Cheese and Pasta: Add half of the shredded cheese into the beef mixture, then pour in the drained spaghetti. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the taco spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with optional taco toppings of your choice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure taco seasoning does not contain gluten additives.
Keywords: taco spaghetti bake, casserole, taco pasta bake, ground beef casserole, Mexican pasta dish
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/taco-spaghetti-bake-recipe/