When the usual pasta night seems a bit tired, spice things up with this Mexican Spaghetti Casserole! This dish takes the comforting familiarity of spaghetti and infuses it with the bold flavors of a taco night, making it a perfect crossover that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s a clever way to transform that pound of ground beef from the fridge into a zesty and cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to go all out on the cheese for that gooey, irresistible top layer!
An Easy and Flavorful Dinner Win
This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packs a flavorful punch, combining rich taco seasonings with classic spaghetti in a one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup without skimping on taste. Whether you’re looking to change up your weeknight routine or need a hearty dish for a gathering, this casserole has you covered.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Serving: 6 people
- Equipment: Large skillet, casserole dish
Recipe Title: Taco Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- 1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed and drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 3/4 cups water
- 8 ounces dried spaghetti noodles, broken into thirds
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Directions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, green chilies, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, tomato sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Spaghetti: Add the broken spaghetti noodles to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Cheese Topping: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for a few more minutes off the heat, allowing the cheese to melt from the residual heat.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot, right from the skillet, or transfer it to a serving dish.
Gather and Enjoy
This Mexican Spaghetti Casserole offers a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, loaded with the hearty elements of a taco. Its ease of preparation and deliciously cheesy finish makes it a perfect choice for a satisfying family meal.
