Description
Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious fusion of classic taco flavors with comforting baked pasta. Featuring ground beef seasoned with taco spices, mixed with spaghetti noodles, creamy sour cream, and melted Mexican cheese blend, this casserole is a perfect easy weeknight dinner with a spicy kick and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Meat Mixture
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prep dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and onions are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add seasoning and simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water, coating the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the flavors meld, then stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce. Continue simmering for another 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles with the meat mixture, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with melted cheese on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful taco spaghetti casserole!
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot taco seasoning or substitute pepper jack cheese in place of the Mexican cheese blend.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. If baking from chilled, add an additional 10 minutes to the bake time to ensure it heats through.
