If you’ve been searching for a delightful twist on classic pasta dinners, the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish effortlessly blends rich, hearty ground beef seasoned with vibrant taco spices with tangy salsa and creamy cheeses, all wrapped up in tender spaghetti. It’s a comforting, flavorful bake that invites everyone to the table for a warm, satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try this Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe, it’ll be on rotation in your kitchen for weeks to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that combine to create layers of fantastic flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role—from the smoky spices to the creamy cheeses—making this dish both easy to prepare and utterly delicious.
- Extra lean ground beef (455g/1lb): Provides the hearty base with a lean profile to keep things balanced.
- Onion (1, finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic cloves (2, crushed): Brings aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- Uncooked spaghetti (250g/8.5oz): The perfect pasta for soaking up all those robust flavors.
- Tomato paste (4 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a rich backbone.
- Salsa (1 cup/250g): Adds tanginess and a mild kick; choose mild or medium depending on your spice preference.
- Chicken or beef stock (1 cup/240ml): Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Reduced-fat sour cream (6 tablespoons): Offers a creamy tang that balances the spices perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese (50g/1.8oz, grated): Melts beautifully atop the bake, creating that gooey cheesy layer everyone loves.
- Cheddar or red Leicester cheese (50g/1.8oz, grated): Brings sharpness and vibrant color to the top crust.
- Red bell pepper (½, finely diced): Adds sweet crunch and bright color.
- Green bell pepper (½, finely diced): Complements the red pepper with a fresh, crisp bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance each ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the cooked spaghetti from sticking and adds a light richness.
- Taco Seasoning Mix: Paprika (1 tbsp), cumin (1.5 tsp), mild chili powder (1.5 tsp), oregano (½ tsp), garlic powder (½ tsp), onion powder (½ tsp), cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Carefully blended spices that bring that unmistakable taco flavor to the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Seasoning
Start by mixing all the spices for the taco seasoning in a small bowl. This homemade blend is where the magic begins, giving your beef that authentic Mexican-inspired flavor without any shortcuts.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant—about 7 to 8 minutes. This step truly lays the foundation for your bake’s rich, savory base.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Simmer
Stir your taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and stock into the beef mixture. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While your sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Once it’s al dente, reserve about ⅓ cup of the pasta water, drain, then toss the spaghetti with olive oil spray to keep those strands separated and ready to absorb the tasty sauce.
Step 5: Combine Spaghetti with Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the beef mixture along with the sour cream and reserved pasta water. Stir everything well so each strand is coated in creamy, spicy goodness. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. You’re almost there!
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Transfer your spaghetti mixture into a baking dish, then generously top with the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle the diced red and green bell peppers on top for a pop of color and crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden. The bubbling cheese and colorful peppers will be calling you to dig in.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake piping hot and watch it disappear quickly. The blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish even more. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top to add a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice will brighten the cheesy, spicy flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides. A fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while warm garlic bread or corn on the cob brings additional comfort and texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up, serve the spaghetti bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. For party settings, offer toppings like diced avocado, jalapeño slices, or crushed tortilla chips on the side, so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes for an incredibly convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, portion the bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 175°C (350°F) covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions with a cover to keep moisture locked in—stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully to soak up the sauce, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even macaroni depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
How spicy is the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe?
The spice level is mild to medium, thanks to the gentle heat from the taco seasoning and salsa. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based mince or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious and hearty.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking fresh when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Sour cream adds creaminess and slight tang, but you can replace it with Greek yogurt or a splash of cream cheese to keep that lovely texture and flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe is pure comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients coming together in a unique, crowd-pleasing way, it’s a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. I can’t wait for you to try it and bring a little cheesy, taco-inspired joy to your dinner table!
Print
Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful and hearty fusion dish combining classic taco seasoning with comforting spaghetti and melted cheese. Ground beef is cooked with a blend of spices, tomato paste, and salsa, then mixed with tender spaghetti and sour cream for creaminess. Topped with mozzarella, cheddar, and colorful bell peppers, this baked pasta casserole is perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Bake:
- 455g (1lb) extra lean ground beef (mince)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 250g (8.5oz) uncooked spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (250g) salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or beef stock
- 6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
- 50g (1.8oz) mozzarella, grated
- 50g (1.8oz) cheddar or red Leicester cheese, grated
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons mild chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preferred spice level)
Instructions
- Make the Taco Seasoning: Combine all taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside so the flavors can blend.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add Seasoning & Simmer: Stir in the prepared taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and chicken or beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pot, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve â…“ cup (80ml) of pasta water, then drain and toss the pasta with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce, then stir in the reduced-fat sour cream and reserved pasta water. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, or gas mark 5 in preparation for baking.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into an ovenproof dish. Evenly top with grated mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then sprinkle diced red and green bell peppers on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy taco salsa spaghetti bake hot, enjoying the rich and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level.
- Use low-fat or full-fat sour cream based on preference.
- For added vegetables, consider mixing in corn or black beans before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be made with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
