Best 6 Southwestern Spaghetti Casserole Recipes

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Calling all pasta lovers! Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Southwestern Spaghetti Casserole, a tantalizing fusion of classic Italian flavors and the vibrant zest of Southwestern cuisine. This hearty and flavorful dish is packed with a symphony of textures and tastes, making it a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion feast.

In this article, you'll discover not just one, but three irresistible recipes that celebrate the unique charms of the Southwestern Spaghetti Casserole. Our classic recipe forms the foundation of this culinary journey, showcasing the harmonious blend of ground beef, tender spaghetti, and a rich, flavorful sauce infused with a blend of spices and diced tomatoes.

For those seeking a vegetarian delight, we offer a delectable Meatless Southwestern Spaghetti Casserole. This flavorful twist features a combination of hearty black beans, colorful bell peppers, and succulent corn, all enveloped in a savory sauce that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

And for those with a penchant for spicy adventures, our Spicy Southwestern Spaghetti Casserole is an absolute must-try. This fiery rendition cranks up the heat with a generous helping of chili powder, chipotle peppers, and a hint of cayenne pepper, creating a taste sensation that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Whether you prefer the classic, meatless, or spicy variation, our Southwestern Spaghetti Casserole recipes are guaranteed to transport you to a culinary oasis of flavors. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on this delectable journey together!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWESTERN CASSEROLE



Southwestern Casserole image

I've been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole recipe for years. It tastes wonderful, fits nicely into our budget and, best of all, makes a second one to freeze and enjoy later. -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat, crumbling beef, until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in next 8 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Drain macaroni; stir into beef mixture., Preheat oven to 375°. Transfer macaroni mixture to 2 greased 2-qt. baking dishes. Top with cheese and jalapenos. Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and heated through, about 10 minutes longer. Serve 1 casserole. Cool the second; cover and freeze up to 3 months., To use frozen casserole: Thaw in refrigerator 8 hours. Preheat oven to 375°. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake, increasing time as necessary to heat through and for a thermometer inserted in center to read 165°, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 321 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 673mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND PASTA CASSEROLE



Make-Ahead Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Pasta Casserole image

Plan ahead and put this party-ready casserole in the freezer for your next big get-together! Once it's thawed, top with tortilla chips, and bake for a cheesy-crunchy crowd pleaser that packs tons of flavor and just the right amount of heat.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium poblano chile, chopped (3/4 cup)
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
4 1/2 cups uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz)
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
1 cup Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen corn (from 10-oz bag)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onion, bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño chiles; cook about 6 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Stir in flour and taco seasoning mix; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually beat in broth with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package for minimum cook time. Drain; stir pasta into sauce with chicken, frozen corn and black beans. Pour pasta mixture into baking dish, and pour enchilada sauce over top.
  • Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with tortilla chips. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and sauce is bubbling around edges. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
  • To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to lift casserole out of dish. Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes before assembling casserole. Mix sauce with cooked pasta, chicken, frozen corn and beans; spread in lined baking dish (do not add enchilada sauce); cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove cover, and top with enchilada sauce. Bake 20 minutes; top with crushed tortilla chips. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly around edges (165°F in center). Let stand 15 minutes. Top with cilantro and red onion just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 910 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

SOUTHWESTERN BAKE



Southwestern Bake image

A delicious southwestern recipe that includes black beans. I use mild salsa, but if you like it spicy, use hot salsa. This is one of my favorite recipes.

Provided by LINDAMOMMY

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 1h

Yield 9

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
2 (8.75 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
2 cups fresh salsa
5 cups crushed plain tortilla chips
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 large fresh tomato, finely chopped
3 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the garlic and onion; drain.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture, chili powder, black beans, corn, sour cream and salsa. Stir until well blended.
  • Into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spoon enough of the beef mixture to cover the bottom. Arrange half of the crushed tortilla chips on top of the meat mixture and layer with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. Spoon another layer of the meat mixture on top of the cheese layer, cover with remaining chips and layer with 1 cup of cheese. Spread final layer of meat mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top. Top with diced tomato and green onions.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 570.3 calories, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 108.3 mg, Fat 40.4 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Sodium 972.7 mg, Sugar 5.1 g

SOUTHWESTERN BAKED SPAGHETTI



Southwestern Baked Spaghetti image

This is an easy, yet very tasty spaghetti casserole, which reminds me of the spaghetti they used to serve us in elementary school. I loved their spaghetti! I normally only brought my lunch, but not on spaghetti day!

Provided by Kim D.

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Steps:

  • Cook spaghetti per package direcions.
  • Combine milk and egg, mix well.
  • Combine drained spaghetti, milk and egg; mix well.
  • Pour spaghetti mixture into a buttered 9X13 inch casserole dish.
  • Brown ground beef with onion, bell pepper and garlic in a large skillet; drain.
  • Return drained meat back into the skillet and add seasonings; Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Spread meat mixture over spaghetti.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes or until cheese melts and is bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes.

SOUTHWESTERN PASTA CASSEROLE



Southwestern Pasta Casserole image

I had left over taco meat, chopped onions and cheese. I went to my pantry and found a can of chopped tomatoes and chilies then found a container of light sour cream. I decided to create a meal from these ingredients. This casserole has a slight kick to it (a little spicy) but I enjoyed it as well as my family.

Provided by Cathie Valentine

Categories     Beef

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb hamburger
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 medium onion-chopped
8 oz light sour cream
1 can(s) original diced tomatoes and chilies (i use rotelle*)
2 c shredded mexican taco cheese (or cheese of choice)
8 oz pasta of choice (i used tiny ziti)
**PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES**

Steps:

  • 1. Take 1/2 of the chopped onion and saute in a tiny bit of oil (I sprayed pot with nonstick cooking spray) until tender. Add hamburger (seasoned with salt and pepper) and brown. (drain fat).
  • 2. Add 2/3 cup water and 1 package of taco seasoning. Bring to a boil then simmer to let meat thicken. Open the can of chopped tomatoes and chilies and drain the liquid into the meat mixture. Stir well and continue to simmer.
  • 3. While preparing meat, boil water (add a little salt) and cook pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the meat mixture.
  • 4. Take the chopped chilies and add to the sour cream. Mix well. Add the other half of chopped onions to this mixture. (will give casserole some texture).
  • 5. Take a 2 quart casserole and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Layer with half of the pasta meat mixture. Next spread all of the sour cream mixture. Then add the pasta meat mixture on top of the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle the cheese on top.
  • 6. Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 350*. Serve with a salad and garlic bread.

SOUTHWESTERN BEEF-AND-PASTA CASSEROLE



Southwestern Beef-And-Pasta Casserole image

This is a deliciously cheesy pasta casserole. If you can't find mini penne pasta in your grocery store, you can use small shell pasta or regular penne instead. I like to use "Recipe#111347" for the alfredo sauce.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     Penne

Time 1h50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb mini penne pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar alfredo sauce
4 eggs
2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
  • Meanwhile, coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
  • In large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef with seasoning and salt until browned.
  • Stir in salsa; remove from heat.
  • In large bowl, mix Alfredo sauce, eggs and 1 cup cheese; stir in pasta.
  • In another bowl, toss spinach with 1/2 cup cheese.
  • To assemble, spoon half of pasta mixture, about 4 cups, into pan.
  • Sprinkle spinach mixture evenly over pasta.
  • Top with even layer of beef mixture.
  • Top with remaining pasta mixture.
  • Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
  • Bake until hot in center and top is golden, about 1 hour.
  • Run sharp knife around edge of pan to loosen pasta.
  • Let stand 10 minutes.
  • Remove side of pan; sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.1, Fat 19.6, SaturatedFat 9.6, Cholesterol 177.3, Sodium 992.2, Carbohydrate 52.4, Fiber 8.4, Sugar 3.9, Protein 28.2

Tips:

  • Use fresh, ripe vegetables. This will give your casserole the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for this dish.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your casserole a more complex flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, and guacamole are all great options.
  • Make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Conclusion:

Southwestern spaghetti casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this casserole a try.

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