Taco Spaghetti
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a perfect mash-up of Tex-Mex and classic comfort food, loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make ahead and great for feeding a hungry family, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option!
This easy taco spaghetti is perfect to feed a crowd and for company. Serve with a big Salad, Skillet Mexican Street Corn or try these Black Beans.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Simple steps and pantry staples make this taco spaghetti bake a weeknight winner.
- Incredible Flavor – A blend of bold Mexican flavors, creamy cheese sauce, and a touch of spice.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or potlucks! You might also like this easy Picadillo for an easy dinner.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepares well in advance and reheats beautifully and it’s a tasty alternative to the Italian-inspired classic spaghetti casserole.
Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Lean Ground Beef
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Enchilada sauce – we like mild, use spicy if you prefer it.
- Granulated garlic
- Ground cumin
- Cooked spaghetti, penne or rotini pasta
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese or your favorite Mexican Cheese Blend
- Queso fresco
- Sliced olives
- Salsa
- Cilantro
- Sour cream (for serving)
How to Make Taco Spaghetti
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the enchilada sauce, granulated garlic, and ground cumin. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and queso fresco. Whisk over medium heat until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the spaghetti mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then add sliced olives and salsa. Bake at 400°F for 15- 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and salsa.
More Topping Ideas
- Diced tomatoes
- Green Onions
- Candied Jalapenos
- Guacamole
- Velveeta Cheese Dip made with RoTel tomatoes
Recipe Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through or in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
More Ground Beef Recipes You Will Love
- Ground Beef Enchiladas – A family favorite with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas.
- Smothered Burritos – Hearty burritos loaded with ground beef and cheese, baked in a flavorful sour cream sauce for the ultimate comfort food.
- Burrito Bake – A layered casserole version of your favorite burritos, packed with beef, beans, cheese, and all the fixings!
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is the best of both worlds—tacos and pasta in one delicious, cheesy dish! It’s an easy dinner that’s packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Try it tonight and let me know what you think!
Don’t forget to leave a review and rate the recipe if you make it!
Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced, seeds removed
- 28 ounce Red Enchilada Sauce mild
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 pound spaghetti cooked half- way, drained (it will finish cooking in the oven)
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided use
- 5 ounces queso fresco
- ½ cup sliced olives
- ⅓ cup salsa plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
- sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the 1 pound lean ground beef until browned.
- Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the 28 ounce Red Enchilada Sauce, 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- In the same skillet, add the 1 cup heavy cream, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and 5 ounces queso fresco. Whisk over medium heat until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the spaghetti mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then add 1/2 cup sliced olives and 1/3 cup salsa. Bake at 400°F for 15- 20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and salsa.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through or in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.