Taco Spaghetti Casserole
Cheesy taco spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food for dinner. Imagine cheesy pasta loaded with taco-seasoned ground beef, chili beans, and tomato, all baked into one delicious pan. It serves a crowd, and the leftovers are perfect for another meal!
Some of the most popular recipes on the blog are casseroles, like the creamy beef noodle bake and the country beef tomato casserole. I realized how much you all love them, so I had to share more casserole recipes. They’re the one dish my family can always agree on at the dinner table.
I adore casseroles because they yield a large pan of food, making them ideal for feeding a big family or group. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, and the leftovers are great for lunches or another dinner throughout the week.
This cheesy taco spaghetti casserole is a family favorite, especially because it’s kid-friendly. It’s one of those meals my kids enjoy without any complaints, making it a staple in our household.
To make this casserole, start by browning some ground beef in a skillet. Add a packet of taco seasoning and a few other ingredients. While the sauce simmers, boil some pasta noodles. Combine the sauce and noodles, pour everything into a baking dish, and top with extra cheese. You can never have enough cheese!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Feeds a crowd and is great for leftovers.
- Kid-friendly and packed with flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet pan
- 9×13 baking dish
- Cooking spray
- Large pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- 1 box (1 lb) thin spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Chopped tomato & green onion for garnish
Step-by-step Instructions for Preparing the Recipe
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish and spray with cooking spray.
- In a skillet pan, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain and return to pan.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring until combined.
- Add the undrained chili beans, tomato sauce, and Velveeta cheese. Stir together and let the Velveeta melt. Turn heat to low and let simmer while the pasta cooks.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Remember to salt your water for added flavor!
- Drain pasta and add to the taco beef mixture. Stir together and pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped tomato and green onion.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip salting your pasta water; it enhances the flavor.
- Make sure Velveeta is fully melted before combining with pasta for a smooth texture.
Additional Tips or Variations
For the topping, feel free to use any type of shredded cheese you prefer. Colby Jack is a great option that’s often available in my fridge.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
The nutritional content will vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands. However, expect a hearty balance of protein from the beef and cheese, along with carbohydrates from the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any pasta shape that holds the sauce well should work.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier taco seasoning mix.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll love this cheesy taco spaghetti casserole as much as my family does. It’s a simple, delicious meal that brings everyone to the table. Try it out and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!