Description
This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired pasta casserole that combines the zesty flavors of salsa and taco seasoning with gooey melted cheese for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Additional:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare beef mixture: Brown the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil. Add taco seasoning, water, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Stir in sour cream.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked spaghetti with beef mixture and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add black beans or corn to the beef mixture.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used as substitutes.
- Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
