Name: Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti,; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 1/2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot); 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions

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If comfort food could throw a party, the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake would be the guest of honor! This crowd-pleasing mash up brings together spicy, saucy taco vibes with the irresistible coziness of a baked spaghetti casserole. Every bite is packed with tender pasta, hearty seasoned beef, zesty salsa, and a double layer of melty cheese. It’s easy enough for a relaxed weeknight dinner, fun enough for a get-together, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds. If you love Tex-Mex flavors and can’t resist a cheesy, bubbling bake, you’re in the right place!

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need is a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to make each forkful unforgettable. Don’t be tempted to leave anything out—each element adds essential flavor, texture, or color to this Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake.

Spaghetti (12 ounces): The noodle backbone that ties the dish together and soaks up all those bold flavors.
Ground Beef (1 pound): Brings rich, savory heartiness; swap with turkey or chicken for a lighter spin.
Small Onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and essential depth to the beef mixture.
Taco Seasoning (1 packet): Delivers that authentic Tex-Mex kick with no fuss.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps the taco seasoning meld into the beef for perfectly seasoned meat.
Salsa (1 1/2 cups): Choose your heat level for a saucy, zippy punch throughout.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Brings creaminess and balances the spices in the bake beautifully.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups), divided: The classic melty layer that makes every bite extra satisfying.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Adds a mellow, gooey stretch to the cheesy topping.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle, peppery warmth to the creamy sauce.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions (for garnish): Fresh and vibrant, these add a final pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until it’s just al dente—you want it to have a little bite left, since it’ll cook more in the oven. Drain well and set the noodles aside. Resist the urge to overcook the pasta; this keeps your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake from getting mushy later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine your ground beef and diced onion. Cook them together for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns and softening the onion until it’s fragrant and golden. Once everything’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat so your casserole stays rich, not greasy.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and pour in half a cup of water. Stir everything well, making sure every bit of meat gets coated in those savory spices. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the mixture thickens and the flavors have a chance to mingle perfectly.

Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Salsa Base

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the salsa, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is where your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake gets its creamy, tangy, and zesty punch! Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to make sure every noodle is bathed in sauce. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the mix for extra richness.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. Pour the cheesy spaghetti and beef mixture into the dish and smooth the top gently. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and all the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole, making sure there are no bare spots—every bite should have that irresistible cheesy pull.

Step 6: Bake and Add Finishing Touches

Bake uncovered in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling edges and a golden-brown cheesy layer on top—that’s your cue to take it out. Let the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps everything set up for perfect slices. Right before serving, add a shower of fresh cilantro or green onions for color and bright flavor.

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Garnishes

The right garnish can take your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake from delicious to show-stopping. Try sprinkling generous handfuls of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the top just before you bring it to the table. For a little fiesta flair, add sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even a dollop of sour cream right on each serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but a few classic sides make it an unforgettable meal. Pair with a crunchy green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette, warm tortilla chips and guacamole, or some grilled corn for a fresh, Tex-Mex-inspired spread. Even simple steamed veggies or roasted bell peppers complement the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun gatherings, portion the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake into individual ramekins before baking—a clever twist for parties or potlucks. Or serve topped with crushed tortilla chips for playful crunch. You can also layer it like lasagna by alternating spaghetti, sauce, and cheese for an impressive, sliceable presentation at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake actually gets better as it sits—the flavors meld and deepen! To store, let it cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Slice off what you need and reheat for a quick, crave-worthy lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this dish is freezer-friendly. Assemble the entire casserole but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When a hectic day calls, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions or the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep the cheese gooey and the pasta moist.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What salsa should I use for this recipe?

Go with your favorite jarred salsa—mild, medium, or hot, depending on your taste and heat tolerance. A chunky, tomato-based salsa adds great texture, but any variety will work beautifully in this dish.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat or use a can of drained black beans and corn. You’ll still get tons of flavor and that satisfying, cheesy texture.

Is Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake kid-friendly?

Definitely. The familiar pasta and cheese combo usually wins over picky eaters, and you can use mild salsa to keep things gentle on spice. For even more fun, let kids add their own taco toppings!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can. Use two 9×13-inch pans or a large lasagna dish, and bake both at the same time. It’s a popular choice for potlucks, game nights, or feeding hungry teens after a long day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fun, filling, and utterly comforting, you can’t do better than Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake. It’s just the right blend of nostalgia and Tex-Mex flair, and it’s always a hit, whether for family dinner or a friendly gathering. Go ahead—give it a try and let this irresistible casserole become a new favorite at your table!

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a Tex-Mex-inspired pasta casserole that combines the flavors of a taco with gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner or potluck, this dish is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti,

Taco Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water

Sauce:

1 1/2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook Taco Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat, stir in salsa, sour cream, garlic powder, and pepper. Add cooked spaghetti and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.