The Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a delightful fusion dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the comforting texture of a spaghetti bake. This recipe is perfect for those who love a hearty, cheesy meal with a bit of a kick. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a fantastic family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 455g (1lb) extra lean ground beef (mince)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 250g (8.5oz) uncooked spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (250g) salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or beef stock
- 6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
- 50g (1.8oz) mozzarella, grated
- 50g (1.8oz) cheddar or red Leicester, grated
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons mild chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust the amount to suit your preference).
Instructions
- Prepare the Spaghetti:
- Boil the spaghetti as per the instructions on the package until it reaches the desired firmness. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a large skillet with olive oil and place over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until it achieves a golden-brown color and is thoroughly cooked.
- Season the Beef:
- Add the tomato paste, salsa, chicken or beef stock, and all the ingredients for the taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the finely diced red and green bell peppers, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combine with Spaghetti:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked spaghetti and sour cream until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Dish:
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar (or red Leicester) evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional toppings if desired.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the best of both worlds—taco flavors and a comforting pasta bake. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and textures in every bite!