**Taco spaghetti casserole: A fiesta of flavors in every bite**
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's sure to please the whole family, look no further than taco spaghetti casserole. This hearty and flavorful dish combines the best of two worlds: the classic flavors of tacos with the comforting texture of spaghetti. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti, a creamy sauce, a gooey cheese topping, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this casserole is a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover taco meat, making it a budget-friendly option as well. In addition to the classic taco spaghetti casserole recipe, this article also includes variations such as a vegetarian version, a slow-cooker version, and a one-pot version. So, whether you're short on time, looking for a meatless option, or simply want to try something different, you'll find a recipe here that's perfect for you.
TACO SPAGHETTI
I came up with this kid-friendly Southwestern recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. -Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Break spaghetti into thirds; cook according to package directions for al dente., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally., Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese and salsa. Drain spaghetti; add to beef mixture and toss to combine., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole, covered, 55-60 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 439 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 927mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 24g protein.
TACO SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
A Mexican/Italian dish rolled into one casserole! This is a simple recipe that is delicious and can easily be thrown together on a busy evening. The taco seasoning gives the robust flavors that you expect from taco meat. The Rotel tomatoes add a spicy kick. We loved the cooking method of the pasta; it really soaks up the...
Provided by Marianne Gleason
Categories Casseroles
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Brown ground beef in a Dutch oven. Drain fat and return to pan.
- 2. Stir in taco seasoning.
- 3. Add Rotel, tomato paste and spaghetti.
- 4. Cover with 6 cups of water.
- 5. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until pasta is cooked and water is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes.
- 6. Pour spaghetti into a sprayed 13x9 casserole dish.
- 7. Top with the shredded cheese and bake at 350 until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 8. You can also cook this completely on the stove top, just add the cheese after step 3 and cover & simmer until cheese is melted. I prefer the cheese to be melted in the oven until golden and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and cilantro (both optional).
CONTEST-WINNING TACO CASSEROLE
My preschooler doesn't eat ground beef unless it's taco flavored, so I came up with this casserole we all like. To make assembly easy, I prepare the taco meat and freeze several bags at a time. I also cook the noodles over the weekend for a timely supper later in the week. -Kathy Wilson, Romeoville, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add cheese, salsa, tomatoes and taco seasoning. Drain pasta; stir into beef mixture., Transfer to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Cover and bake 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with tortilla chips. Bake until heated through, about 10 minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts :
TACO SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
This has been a family favorite for years. It's easy, quick and oh, so tasty! This is similar to looneytunesfan's with a few differences.
Provided by tootsie in Pacific
Categories Spaghetti
Time 50m
Yield 8 cups, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water. Drain again.
- In a 12-in. skillet on med. high heat cook ground beef and onion till meat is brown and onion tender.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cook for a few minutes.
- Turn down the heat, add water, bring to a boil, cover and cook 5 minutes.
- Uncover and add the pasta, corn, olives or black beans, 1/2 Celsius cheese, salsa and green chilli peppers.
- Stir together and pour into a casserole dish, cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Uncover, sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and bake until cheese melts.
- Serve with lettuce, chips, tomatoes and sour cream.
TACO PASTA CASSEROLE
This is a casserole I came up with when I worked in a group home where I had to cook dinner for 6 grown men. Please note: some of these are estimates as I honestly don't know the exact size on some of these containers for Zaar's computer. Use whatever you can find in your store (12, 8, 16 ounce)
Provided by Skipps Kitchen
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 50m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook Pasta until done.
- While pasta is cooking brown the ground beef.
- Drain ground beef and add taco seasoning per packet directions.
- Drain Pasta and put into large mixing bowl.
- Fold in Salsa, 1/2 the Cheese, and Ground Meat.
- Put into 13X9 casserole dish.
- Top with remaining Cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until warmed through - Cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Top with Sour Cream, Shredded Lettuce, Sliced Black Olives etc. Whatever you use to top your tacos!
Tips:
- Use a variety of taco seasoning mixes to create different flavor profiles. You can also make your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- If you don't have any taco seasoning, you can use a packet of ranch dressing mix instead. It will give the casserole a similar flavor profile.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole, such as cooked ground beef, black beans, or corn. You can also top the casserole with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa before baking.
- If you want a crispy casserole, be sure to brown the ground beef and drain off the excess grease before adding it to the casserole dish.
- Serve the casserole with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
Conclusion:
Taco spaghetti casserole is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a great way to use up leftover taco meat. With its delicious flavor and versatility, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give taco spaghetti casserole a try!
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