I made a double batch of this cheesy Taco Spaghetti and ate the leftovers for 2 days after. One bite and you will agree that it’s the perfect family dinner for taco night!
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Easy and delicious is the only way I can describte this recipe! Every night can be taco night in our house as far as I am concerned. I could eat this Taco Dip for dinner but I have to be a good example for my son…
Not only because I love tacos, and I mean LOVE them, but it’s something that picky eaters like too.
And who doesn’t need something for dinner on those busy weeknights. A great recipe that is easy to put together, or better yet, make ahead so there is not prep.
This is just that life-saving recipe you need. Just like this Taco Hash Brown Casserole and this Crockpot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole. Both great taco night options!
Ready in under an hour, or even less if you prep the ingredients ahead of time, and some of the best comfort food I have tasted.
Ingredients Needed
- Spaghetti – Traditional spaghetti noodles or substitute your favorite pasta shape.
- Ground beef – Lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Onion – Sweet or white onion.
- Tomatoes – Fire roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa.
- Spices – Homemade taco seasoning, garlic salt.
- Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Kitchen staples – Olive oil, salt, black pepper if needed.
- Garnishes – chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream.
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How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook until meat is browned, no longer pink, and onion is tender. Stir in garlic salt and taco seasoning. Cook for one minute.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well.
- Combine the spaghetti with the meat sauce. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the spaghetti mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
How long does it last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat by baking in the oven at 350°F until heated through or in a microwave in short intervals. Stir often, until it’s hot all the way through.
Can you freeze it?
Yes you can! Prepare the casserole and freeze before baking or after. Either way, cool the casserole to room temperature, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Can I make taco spaghetti in advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Remove from the fridge 15 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Bake as the recipe recommends.
Why should I make casseroles for dinner?
Casseroles are one of the easiest and hearty dinner options for busy people. I love the convenience factor of simple ingredients and having one dish to wash.
My favorite casserole recipes are also full meals, like this spaghetti bake recipe with ground beef. Or if you have chicken leftover, make this chicken spaghetti casserole or this slow cooker cheesy chicken & rice. Both are kid approved!
Need more recipes? Check out all my favorite ground beef casserole recipes!
Serving Suggestions
To me, this dish is a meal all by itself. Maybe top it with your favorite taco toppings like green onions or spicy guacamole.
But you can always add some additional sides to stretch it or make a larger meal. Chips and salsa are great way to add some crunch.
Some Mexican rice, refried beans, a black bean and corn salad, or a crispy fiesta salad are also great with it. And make these cinnamon stars or caramel apple empanadas for dessert!
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use ground chicken, ground sausage, or ground turkey instead of beef. A great way to use up any taco meat you have in the fridge or freezer.
- Choose a different type of pasta like penne or rotini if you prefer. Barilla fideo pasta is already broken up into smaller pieces which might be more kid-friendly.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend.
- Adjust the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot salsa according to yourpreference.
- Use 1 packet of taco seasoning or make some homemade.
- You can use, Rotel tomatoes, diced fresh or canned tomatoes or if you don’t have fire-roasted ones.
- For more kick add chopped green chiles.
- More veggies? Add some black beans and corn.
- Double this recipe and freeze one for the next time you need an easy meal on a busy weeknight the whole family will love!
- Cook the pasta separately and add to the meat mixture in a large skillet. Cover with cheese and serve warm to make it a skillet meal and skip the oven!
If you love this recipe as much as I do, pin this to your favorite casserole Pinterest board and share it on your favorite social media channels!
This easy dinner recipe takes a family favorite, tacos, and transforms it into a Mexican spaghetti casserole. The flavorful taco meat makes it an easy weeknight dinner option that still feels like a comfort food. Plus, it’s a complete meal all in one dish!
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 15 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes undrained
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
- Add ground beef and onion; cook until meat is browned and onion is tender.
- Stir in garlic salt and taco seasoning. Cook for one minute.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet. Stir well.
- Combine the spaghetti with the meat sauce. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the spaghetti mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream.
Notes
- Use ground chicken, ground sausage, or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Choose a different type of pasta like penne or rotini if you prefer. Barilla fideo pasta is already broken up into smaller pieces which might be more kid-friendly.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, orMexican cheese blend.
- Adjust the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot salsa according to yourpreference.
- Use 1 packet of taco seasoning or make some homemade.
- You can use, Rotel tomatoes, diced fresh or canned tomatoes or if you don't havefire-roasted ones.
- For more kick add chopped green chiles.
- More veggies? Add some black beans and corn.
- Double this recipe and freeze one for the next time you need an easy meal on a busy weeknight the whole family will love!
- Cook the pasta separately and add to the meat mixture in a large skillet. Cover with cheese and serve warm to make it a skillet meal and skip the oven!
Nutrition
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