If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly dish that brings the bold flavors of tacos together with comforting, cheesy pasta, this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe will absolutely win you over. It’s the perfect marriage of savory seasoned beef, gooey cheese, a pop of zesty tomatoes, and tender spaghetti—all baked until bubbly and golden. Whether you’re hosting a lively potluck, need a hearty meal after a long day, or simply want to try something delightfully different, this casserole is guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the richly seasoned beef to the creamy cheese and tangy tomatoes, every single component plays a delicious role in building up those irresistible flavors and textures.
- Spaghetti noodles (12 oz): These soak up all those saucy flavors and give the casserole its satisfying bite.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish, delivering plenty of protein and hearty, taco-inspired flavor.
- Small onion, diced: Adds essential aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet): The shortcut to classic taco flavor, packing the perfect punch of spices.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps create a saucy base that coats every bit of noodles and beef.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, undrained): Brings a zesty kick and juicy texture for that Tex-Mex vibe.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Rounds out the sauce, making the casserole lush and cohesive.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and a little tang, balancing out the bold spices.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness right on top and throughout.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Highlights all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just enough bite to round out all those taco spices.
- Chopped cilantro & sliced jalapeños (optional): For a pop of freshness and heat when garnishing.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your casserole comes out of the dish effortlessly, without sticking.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Go ahead and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray. This quick step will make sure that every cheesy slice lifts out easily later, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, drop in your spaghetti noodles, and cook them just until al dente (with a slight bite). This ensures the noodles stay firm and don’t get mushy after baking. Once done, drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add your ground beef and diced onion. Cook together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is deeply browned and the onion is translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Be sure to drain off any extra fat to keep your casserole from getting greasy.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and pour in the water. Stir well so those spices coat every bite of meat, then let it all simmer for 2–3 minutes. The meat will soak up all those classic taco flavors, making every mouthful amazing.
Step 5: Incorporate Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (don’t drain them—a little extra juice is great!) and the tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, marrying the flavors into a savory, hearty sauce.
Step 6: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, add your drained spaghetti noodles. Pour in the meaty mixture, then toss in the sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until every noodle is deliciously coated and the cheese and sour cream are evenly distributed.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour your combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese right over the top (don’t be shy!). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly golden at the edges.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for just a few minutes. If you’d like, shower the top with freshly chopped cilantro, add a few spicy jalapeño slices, and get ready for smiles all around the dinner table!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Take this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe to the next level with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or zesty slices of jalapeño. For extra indulgence, try a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime, or a few chopped green onions. Each of these adds color, freshness, and a pop of flavor that really brightens up the casserole.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of your casserole with a fresh side salad tossed in a lime vinaigrette or some colorful grilled veggies. Warm tortilla chips, a scoop of guac, or even classic refried beans round out the meal beautifully, turning dinner into a real Mexican-American feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style comfort, bring the whole bubbling casserole to the table and let everyone dig in. Or, serve individual squares on brightly colored plates with all the garnishes for a festive vibe. For parties, cut the casserole into smaller pieces and serve them on a platter with toothpicks as spicy, cheesy appetizer bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe are a true gift—just cover the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three days, making for effortless weekday lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
Want to save some for another week? This casserole freezes beautifully! Cool the baked (or unbaked) casserole completely, then wrap tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (15–25 minutes, depending on portion size). You can also microwave individual portions with a splash of water to keep the noodles moist. Either way, you’ll get that same melty, bubbly, cheesy goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just cook it al dente so it holds up in the casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for the beef. Otherwise, all the other ingredients and flavors in the Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe stay just as delicious and satisfying.
How spicy is the finished dish?
The casserole has mild heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can easily control the spice. Use mild versions or skip jalapeños to keep it kid-friendly, or spice it up with extra hot seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
Can I assemble this ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! The Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are particularly tasty reheated and can even be packed into thermoses or lunchboxes. For a fun twist, stuff them into tortillas for cheesy taco pasta burritos or reheat and top with a fried egg for a savory brunch treat!
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly joyful about digging into a bubbly, cheesy, taco-inspired pasta bake, and this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try the next time you’re craving serious comfort or want to wow your family with a new weeknight favorite—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole combines the flavors of tacos with a comforting pasta bake. It’s a cheesy, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Casserole:
- 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
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook beef and onion: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add seasoning: Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix ingredients: Combine beef mixture with spaghetti, sour cream, 1 cup of cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Pour mixture into baking dish, top with remaining cheese, bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro or jalapeños before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot taco seasoning or pepper jack cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated—just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
