Zesty Taco Spaghetti Bake Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Whipping up a delightful taco spaghetti bake can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Pasta lovers rejoice as this dish combines two classic favorites in one mouthwatering creation.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your plate with every single bite.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese form the perfect culinary partnership.

Cheese enthusiasts will absolutely adore the gooey, golden topping that crowns this irresistible casserole.

Prepare to become the dinner hero when you serve this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Why Taco Spaghetti Bake Is A Crowd-Pleaser

• Blend Cultures Creatively: Combines the zesty flavors of tacos with classic spaghetti, creating a unique and exciting meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
• Conquer Dinner Dilemmas: Provides a simple one-pan solution that transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy families and picky eaters.
• Customize with Ease: Allows flexible topping options like sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Reimagined: Delivers a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisine in a single, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Taco Spaghetti Bake Ingredient Rundown

• Lean Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the taco spaghetti bake.
• Velveeta Cheese: A creamy processed cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich, cheesy texture to the dish.

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the foundational carbohydrate for this fusion dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy element that helps bind ingredients and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: A zesty combination that introduces brightness and mild heat to the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that infuses the dish with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese topping that provides a golden, melted finish to the casserole.
• Water: Helps dissolve the taco seasoning and create a cohesive sauce.

How To Put Together Taco Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Crank Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the cheesy magic about to happen.

Step 2: Transform Spaghetti

Boil spaghetti until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Grab a skillet and cook lean ground beef until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any excess fat, keeping the pan on the heat.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Taco seasoning
• Water
• Cream of chicken soup
• Undrained diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Cubed Velveeta cheese

Stir and cook until the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Slide the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing and turning until every strand is perfectly coated with the zesty mixture.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish, then shower the top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and bubbly, melted cheese that’s calling your name.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and add any extra toppings you love. Let it cool briefly, then dive into this mouthwatering Taco Spaghetti Bake!

Tips For Better Taco Spaghetti Bake Results

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Drain tomatoes and green chilies well to prevent watery consistency in the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added flavor complexity.
• Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating before baking, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Add fresh cilantro or green onions as a final garnish to brighten the dish's overall taste and presentation.

Easy Swaps For Taco Spaghetti Bake

• Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein swap and enhanced flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Fiesta Pasta: Substitute ground beef with black beans, corn, and bell peppers to create a hearty meat-free version packed with plant-based protein.
• Spicy Southwest Bake: Add jalapeños, increase green chili amounts, and use pepper jack cheese to create a hotter, more intense flavor experience.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the classic taco-inspired taste.

Top Sides For Taco Spaghetti Bake Meals

• Pair Spicy Mexican Margaritas: Fresh lime margaritas complement the bold taco flavors, cutting through the rich cheesy pasta with zesty citrus notes.
• Serve Cooling Cucumber Salad: Light, crisp cucumber salad with cilantro and lime provides refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy spaghetti bake.
• Match Crisp Mexican Lager: Corona or Modelo beer offers clean, light flavor that balances the dish's spicy and creamy elements, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Top with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Bright, tangy chopped tomato, onion, and cilantro salsa adds fresh texture and cuts through the heavy, cheesy casserole.

Taco Spaghetti Bake Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place portions in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual servings in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of water or milk to maintain moisture.

Taco Spaghetti Bake FAQs You’ll Want

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative and provides similar flavor and texture to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from green chilies, but you can adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and green chili varieties.

• Do I need to precook the spaghetti completely?

Cook spaghetti until al dente (slightly firm) because it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy pasta.

• What cheese works best if I don't have Velveeta?

Processed cheese like American or cream cheese can substitute Velveeta, ensuring a creamy and melty consistency in the recipe.

Taco Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy taco spaghetti bake brings Mexican and Italian cuisines together in one comforting dish. Bold spices and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Pasta and Base:

• 1 box (8 ounces / 227 grams) spaghetti pasta
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 package (8 ounces / 227 grams) cubed velveeta cheese
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350ºF, preparing a baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Boil spaghetti in salted water until perfectly tender, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, carefully eliminating any excess grease.
4. Stir taco seasoning into the beef, followed by water, creating a robust flavor base.
5. Incorporate cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cubed Velveeta cheese into the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts completely and ingredients blend seamlessly.
6. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the meat mixture, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the zesty sauce.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust and the edges to turn crisp and appetizing.
9. Remove from oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to settle before garnishing with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier dish.
• Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even sauce distribution.
• Consider using low-sodium taco seasoning for those watching salt intake.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like pepper jack for added spice or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg