Get ready for a flavor-packed family favorite that combines the bold zest of tacos with the classic comfort of baked pasta — the Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together everything you love in a bubbling, cheesy casserole: perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory taco-seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a houseful of hungry kids or craving a weeknight dinner that’ll get rave reviews, this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is that every ingredient has a delicious role to play. Each one contributes to the casserole’s vibrant color, satisfying texture, and crave-worthy flavors—plus, no hard-to-find items here!

Spaghetti: Classic pasta that soaks up all the saucy goodness and adds a familiar, comforting bite.
Ground beef: The star protein, bringing that hearty, meaty base every taco lover craves. Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken!
Yellow onion: Diced onion lends a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the spices perfectly.
Taco seasoning: A packet (or your homemade blend) infuses every bite with the signature kick of cumin, chili, and garlic.
Water: Helps the seasoning mix blend smoothly with the beef and keeps the sauce saucy.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds juicy spiciness and bright pops of color—don’t drain the can!
Tomato sauce: Rounds out the casserole with tang and a velvety texture.
Frozen corn (optional): For a sweet, juicy pop that makes every mouthful more interesting.
Shredded Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: You can’t have a casserole without a lush, melty cheese topper!
Sour cream: Swirled in for that unmistakable creamy, tangy finish.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste to make all the flavors sing.
Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (optional): For a fresh sprinkle of color and bright flavor to garnish.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook it until just al dente—remember, it’s going into the oven, so you want a little bite left. Once it’s perfect, drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta soaks up the saucy flavors without getting mushy.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Sauté them together until the beef is no longer pink and the onion turns translucent and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat, which keeps the final casserole from being greasy.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onion, then stir in half a cup of water. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes while the flavors meld—this is where that irresistible taco essence seeps into the beef.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Corn

Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies—liquid and all—plus the tomato sauce and frozen corn if you’re using it. Stir well and cook for another couple of minutes, until everything is heated through and the mixture is bubbling with color and aroma.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the sour cream. This step transforms your beef filling into a rich, silky sauce that wraps every noodle in creamy, tangy goodness. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the drained spaghetti into a big bowl and pour the creamy meat sauce over the top. Toss everything together gently—tongs work great here—until every strand is thoroughly coated and flecked with meaty goodness and colorful veggies.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the noodle-meat mixture. Spread it evenly, then shower the surface with two generous cups of shredded cheese. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle your Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and color. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort food satisfaction!

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

The easiest way to take this casserole from tasty to extraordinary is with a handful of fresh garnishes. Think chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of extra sour cream. A few sliced jalapeños or diced avocados also add a special twist, making each plate pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair your Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette, or scoop up each bite with warm tortilla chips. Mexican street corn, refried beans, or sautéed zucchini all work beautifully as easy, vibrant sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving it as a deconstructed taco bar: scoop out portions, then offer mini bowls of favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, black olives, or hot sauce. For party-perfect bites, fill mini bell pepper halves or toasted slider buns with the casserole mixture and top with cheese for a unique twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe are a dream for busy weeknights! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll keep for up to 4 days. The flavors get even cozier overnight, making leftovers especially tasty.

Freezing

This casserole is incredibly freezer-friendly. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you need a quick dinner, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking as directed. You can even freeze cooked leftovers in individual portions for grab-and-go lunches.

Reheating

To reheat, bake refrigerated casserole, covered, at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes), or zap individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. If reheating from frozen, add a splash of water and cover with foil to prevent drying out while it warms up.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then refrigerate it (unbaked) until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is it possible to use other meats?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are wonderful substitutes if you’re looking to lighten things up. Even ground pork or a plant-based meat alternative will give you great results without sacrificing hearty flavor.

What can I add for even more flavor?

To amp up the taste, mix in a can of drained black beans, sliced olives, or chopped jalapeños. A layer of tortilla chips at the bottom gives extra crunch, and a splash of hot sauce heats things up for spice lovers.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti! Be sure to cook it al dente (or even a minute less), as gluten-free pasta softens more quickly during baking.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Definitely! You can halve the ingredients for a smaller crowd and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish, or double up and use two large pans if you’re feeding a big group. Adjust baking times as needed and keep an eye out for that bubbly, golden top.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal the whole family will request again and again, this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is pure comfort and joy. Give it a try, add your favorite toppings, and watch it disappear from plates in record time!

Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Taco Spaghetti Casserole combines the flavors of tacos with a comforting spaghetti bake. It’s a cheesy, savory dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

8 ounces spaghetti

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
½ cup water
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
½ cup sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add taco seasoning, water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and corn. Simmer, then stir in sour cream.
Combine Ingredients: Toss cooked spaghetti with meat sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro or green onions. Serve warm.