Taco Spaghetti Casserole

Transform your taco night into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner with this irresistible Taco Spaghetti Casserole! This recipe combines the zesty spices of classic tacos with the hearty satisfaction of a baked pasta dish, all in one cheesy, flavor-packed meal. Tender spaghetti is coated in a creamy, taco-infused beef and tomato sauce, layered with gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. With just 15 minutes of prep time and customizable toppings like crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Bursting with flavors of diced tomatoes, green chilies, and taco seasoning, this dish truly delivers a Tex-Mex twist in every bite. Serve up this family-friendly favorite and watch it disappear!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed (optional topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6

Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the sauce.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2011.5 grams (2011.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3591

Total Fat 263.10g	337%
Saturated Fat 125.20g	626%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 749mg	250%
Sodium 8835mg	384%
Total Carbohydrate 139.20g	51%
Dietary Fiber 20.70g	74%
Total Sugars 21.80g
Protein 182.30g	365%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2765mg	213%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 2157mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.8%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 15.2%