Description
A bold and cheesy fusion of tacos and pasta, Easy Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This family-friendly dish combines taco-seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti, vibrant veggies, and gooey melted cheese in a single irresistible casserole. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces while cooking.
- Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in the tomato paste, salsa, chicken or beef stock, and taco seasoning.
- Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Toss in the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
5. Combine Spaghetti and Sour Cream:
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and sour cream to the taco meat mixture.
- Toss everything together until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella and cheddar (or red Leicester) evenly over the top.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
8. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, or serve with sour cream or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extra veggies like black beans, corn, or diced zucchini for added texture and nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack cheese for a unique twist.
- Spice Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper to match your desired spice level.
- Leftover Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of stock to refresh the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex