Description
A delicious and comforting Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake combining the flavors of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese baked to perfection for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Seasoning & Simmer: Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and chicken or beef stock to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 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. Reserve â…“ cup (80ml) of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Spray the pasta with olive oil spray and toss to coat to prevent sticking.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat mixture along with the sour cream and reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, or gas mark 5 to prepare for baking.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into an ovenproof dish and top with grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle diced red and green bell peppers over the top for color and flavor.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden on top.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness straight from the oven!
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning to control the spice level according to preference.
- Use a combination of chicken or beef stock depending on your flavor preference or dietary requirements.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based mince and use vegetable stock.
- The reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and bind the spaghetti with the meat mixture.
- Covering the dish with foil prevents the cheese from burning during the initial baking phase.
