Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake
Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a bold, comforting fusion of taco night and pasta night in one delicious dish. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, tender spaghetti, and loads of gooey melted cheese—baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
- 1 cup salsa mild, medium, or spicy
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season and simmer:
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove from heat.
- Make the creamy mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add in the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the creamy spaghetti, half the beef mixture, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers, then top with Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake until bubbly:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings like green onions, cilantro, or crushed chips!
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead, freeze, and bake when ready.
- Great for meal prep: portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.