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Taco Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

Taco Spaghetti Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining the zest of taco-seasoned ground beef with tender spaghetti and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that marries Mexican-inspired flavors with classic pasta bake goodness, topped with fresh tomatoes, chives, and sour cream for added freshness.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Chopped tomatoes and chives for garnish

Seasoning and Sauces

  • 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 10 oz. can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-Tel mild), undrained
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti (1 box)

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional Garnish

  • Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add Seasonings and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the homemade taco seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, water, and tomato sauce. Mix well and cook until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. Then add the cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of Monterrey Jack cheese, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Monterrey Jack cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Before serving, top with chopped tomatoes, chives, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and freshness.

Notes

  • Homemade taco seasoning adds freshness, but store-bought taco seasoning can be used as a convenient substitute.
  • Undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies provide both moisture and spice; do not drain to keep the sauce flavorful.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Letting the bake rest after removing from the oven helps the cheese set slightly for easier serving.
  • Optional: Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/taco-spaghetti-bake-recipe/