Print

Baked Cream Cheese Taco Spaghetti Casserole

baked cream cheese taco spaghetti casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This easy weeknight casserole combines creamy spaghetti, zesty taco-seasoned beef, salsa, and melty cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex pasta bake. It’s quick to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy families or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup salsa (medium or mild)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking apart. Add onion (if using) and sauté until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef mixture. Stir to coat. Add drained Rotel and mix well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. If mixture is dry, add 2-3 tablespoons water.
  5. In a large bowl, combine hot drained spaghetti, softened cream cheese, and salsa. Stir until noodles are coated in creamy sauce.
  6. Add beef-tomato mixture to spaghetti and cream cheese bowl. Toss until well combined. (Optional: fold in black beans or corn.)
  7. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. (Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for crispy top.)
  9. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add 2 more ounces of cream cheese. Use hot pasta to help melt the cream cheese smoothly. Grate your own cheese for best melt. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary needs. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco spaghetti casserole, baked pasta, weeknight dinner, Tex-Mex casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, ground beef, cream cheese pasta, family meal, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/baked-cream-cheese-taco-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/