Description
This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful Mexican-American fusion dish combining the zest of taco seasoning and salsa with the comfort of baked pasta. Ground beef, corn, and black beans are mixed with spaghetti and layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, creating a hearty, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Protein
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup canned corn, drained
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, stirring frequently to break it up evenly. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Mix: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, corn, black beans, and sour cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Combine with Spaghetti: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat and salsa mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly, then garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-carb or gluten-free alternative, substitute spaghetti with spaghetti squash or gluten-free pasta.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; bake only when ready to serve to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
