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Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a cheesy and comforting dinner full of bold taco flavor. This easy baked pasta dish combines spaghetti, seasoned beef, salsa and melted cheese in one pan.

Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Sara Collins
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a cheesy and comforting dinner full of bold taco flavor. This easy baked pasta dish combines spaghetti, seasoned beef, salsa and melted cheese in one pan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
  

Cook the Spaghetti

  • Boil water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until tender. Drain the pasta well using a colander and set aside.

Prepare the Beef Mixture

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef becomes brown and fully cooked.

Add Garlic and Seasoning

  • Stir garlic, taco seasoning, paprika and black pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for another minute until fragrant and evenly combined.

Mix in Salsa and Tomatoes

  • Pour salsa and diced tomatoes into the skillet. Stir everything together gently and let the mixture simmer for five minutes for deeper flavor.

Add Sour Cream

  • Reduce the heat slightly. Stir sour cream into the beef mixture until smooth and creamy. This makes the casserole rich and comforting.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add cooked spaghetti into the skillet carefully. Toss everything together until all spaghetti strands become coated with the cheesy taco mixture.

Transfer to Baking Dish

  • Grease a baking dish lightly. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread evenly using a spoon or spatula.

Add Cheese and Bake

  • Sprinkle cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove casserole from the oven carefully. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm for the best cheesy and savory flavor experience.

Notes

  • Cook spaghetti until just tender.
  • Use lean ground beef for less grease.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts better.
  • Add jalapeños for extra spice.
  • Let casserole rest before serving.
  • Use homemade taco seasoning if preferred.
  • Drain tomatoes well to avoid extra liquid.
  • Add extra cheese for creamier texture.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs for freshness.
Keyword Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe