What happens when two beloved dishes—classic spaghetti and cheesy tacos—come together? You get the Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake, a mouthwatering fusion dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy Velveeta cheese, zesty taco flavors, and comforting pasta, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
This dish is not just a meal—it’s an experience that combines the richness of cheesy casseroles with the bold spices of Tex-Mex cuisine. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special and how you can easily make it at home.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake
If you’re looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and comfort, this is it. Here’s why:
- Easy to make: With simple pantry staples and a step-by-step process, anyone can whip this up with ease.
- Kid-friendly: Cheesy, creamy, and fun—this bake will have even picky eaters asking for seconds.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, like jalapeños, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips, for extra flair.
- Perfect for any occasion: From casual weeknights to potluck parties, this dish always impresses.
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| For the Pasta: | Spaghetti pasta | 8 ounces |
| For the Beef: | Lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Taco seasoning packet (1 ounce) | 1 | |
| Water | 2/3 cup | |
| For the Sauce: | Cubed Velveeta cheese | 8 ounces |
| Diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) | 1 can (10 ounces) | |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 ounces) | |
| For the Topping: | Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake
Let’s break down this easy recipe into simple steps that anyone can follow:
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, season it with a pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Cook to Perfection: Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside for later use.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef.
- Break and Brown: Break the meat into smaller crumbles using a wooden spoon and cook until it’s fully browned (about 6–8 minutes).
- Drain Excess Fat: If needed, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add Taco Flavor
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned ground beef.
- Add Water: Pour in 2/3 cup of water and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Create the Cheesy Sauce
- Lower the Heat: Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the Velveeta: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and cream of chicken soup.
- Melt and Mix: Stir constantly until the Velveeta cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with Pasta
- Add the Spaghetti: Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the cheesy taco sauce.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use tongs or a large spoon to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then spoon the spaghetti mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
8. Serve and Enjoy
- Portion and Plate: Scoop the cheesy taco spaghetti onto plates or into bowls.
- Optional Toppings: Add sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and crunch.
- Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake
- Use quality cheese: Velveeta melts into a creamy, smooth sauce, but you can also try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a different twist.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente spaghetti holds up better during baking and absorbs just the right amount of sauce.
- Add veggies: Mix in diced onions, bell peppers, or even black beans to add extra texture and nutrition.
- Make it spicier: Use a spicy taco seasoning or add red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Double the recipe: This dish is freezer-friendly, so make an extra batch to enjoy later.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (recipe serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 |
| Protein | ~25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35g |
| Fat | ~24g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
FAQ: Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can substitute it with penne, rotini, or even fettuccine.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. How can I make it healthier?
Use whole-grain pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and a homemade taco seasoning to control the sodium content.
5. What other toppings can I add?
Sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of hot sauce all make excellent additions.
6. Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled plant-based meat substitutes work beautifully in this recipe.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake combines the best of two beloved comfort foods: cheesy pasta and flavorful tacos. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Ready to Cook?
Don’t wait any longer to treat yourself to this delicious fusion dish! Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will rave about. Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake is comfort food at its finest—rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.