Description
This Taco Spaghetti Bake is a delicious fusion of classic taco flavors and hearty pasta, perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and combined with creamy sour cream, heavy cream, diced tomatoes with chilies, and melted cheese, all baked together with spaghetti for a cheesy, comforting casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained
Meat and Sauce
- 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 (10 ounces each) Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
Cheese
- 4 cups shredded Mexican or taco blend cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Crumble and cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and dairy: Stir in the taco seasoning, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and the two cans of diced tomatoes with chilies. Mix everything thoroughly and let the flavors meld together.
- Combine with cheese and pasta: Add half of the shredded cheese to the skillet mixture and stir well. Pour in the drained spaghetti and fold until everything is evenly combined.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer the taco spaghetti mixture into the dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the bake sit for 10 minutes to set. Serve warm, optionally topped with your favorite taco toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- If you like it spicier, add extra chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Adding black beans or corn to the mixture can add texture and extra flavor.
Keywords: taco spaghetti bake, cheesy taco casserole, baked spaghetti taco recipe, easy weeknight dinner, Mexican pasta bake