If you’re craving a dish that’s the perfect marriage of rich cheese, bold spices, and comforting pasta, then this Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine the warmth of baked melted cheeses embracing a zesty taco-seasoned beef and tomato sauce all hugged by al dente spaghetti—every bite bursting with vibrant flavors and a fabulous spicy kick. This recipe is an easy crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a dazzling, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and inviting color that make this dish so irresistible. From the hearty ground beef to the melty cheeses and fresh cilantro, every element brings something special to the table.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: Provides the perfect pasta base to soak up all the rich taco flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The savory protein backbone, delivering that classic taco flavor and satisfying bite.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: The secret blend of spices that gives this dish its signature spicy punch.
- 1 cup salsa: Adds a vibrant tang and slight zestiness that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained: Offers fresh, juicy tomato bits without extra liquid, preventing sogginess.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creates a creamy texture that balances the heat and acidity.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and color for that classic melted cheese appeal.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides beautiful meltiness and stretch to the cheesy topping.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Adds a slight briny contrast and a pop of color atop the baked dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Lends a burst of fresh herbal brightness at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Optional toppings (chopped jalapeños, sliced green onions, diced avocado, extra salsa): Customize heat or freshness according to your mood.
How to Make Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready to deliver that perfect cheesy bake later. Then cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to absorb the taco-spiced goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small, even crumbles that will mix seamlessly with the pasta.
Step 3: Sauté Onion
Add chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth, making the taco flavors even more inviting.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes
Stir in the taco seasoning mix, salsa, and drained diced tomatoes, then simmer for about five minutes. This helps everything meld into a delicious, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from heat, then mix in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated. This step gives the sauce a creamy texture that balances out the spicy taco seasoning beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful taco mixture.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the whole mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Generously top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then sprinkle with sliced black olives. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on the edges.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the dish cool slightly before sprinkling with chopped fresh cilantro. This final touch adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped cilantro is the classic topping here, but don’t stop there! For added heat, chopped jalapeños bring a fiery kick, while diced avocado adds creamy coolness. Sliced green onions introduce a mild crunch, and a drizzle of extra salsa can amp up the zestiness even more. These garnishes make each serving a personalized burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness. You could also serve it with simple corn tortilla chips or Mexican street corn (elote) for that extra fun Tex-Mex flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked spaghetti in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets so everyone gets their own bubbling cheesy portion. Another idea is to spoon it into warm taco shells for a fusion-style taco bake—impressive, casual, and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftover Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep nicely for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for easy weekday meals.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this dish freezes very well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming, or pop them in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating brings back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe, offering a leaner alternative without sacrificing the taco flavor if you adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with beans such as black beans or pinto beans, or use a plant-based meat alternative. Just follow the same steps for seasoning and sauce.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and the optional jalapeño toppings you add. It has a moderate spice that can be adjusted by choosing mild or spicy seasoning mixes and garnishes.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free spaghetti or any other gluten-free pasta, and confirm that your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best cheese combination?
The mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. Cheddar adds tang and color, while mozzarella offers gooey stretch and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate—combining comfort, spice, and cheesy indulgence all in one easy-to-make dish. It’s a fantastic way to shake up your usual pasta routine with a fun taco twist that your whole family will love. Give it a try soon and watch it become a weekly staple for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings with friends!
Print
Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Cheesy Spicy Baked Taco Spaghetti combines classic taco flavors with comforting baked pasta, featuring a flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce seasoned with taco spices, topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and finished with fresh cilantro and optional spicy toppings. This easy baked dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped jalapeños, sliced green onions, diced avocado, extra salsa
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled spaghetti dish.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring and crumbling with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, salsa, and drained diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the taco meat sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese and Olives: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top, then scatter sliced black olives over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the baked taco spaghetti hot, with optional toppings such as chopped jalapeños, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and extra salsa as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and jalapeños to control the spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra creaminess, mix some cream cheese into the sauce along with sour cream.
