If you have a craving for something that perfectly blends Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting pasta goodness, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together juicy, seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti coated in a rich, tangy salsa sauce, and a dreamy blanket of melted cheese on top. This bake is not only simple to whip up but also satisfying in every bite, combining the zest of taco spices with the familiar warmth of Italian comfort food. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish always earns rave reviews and leftovers that disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and the secret to the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe’s irresistible flavor. Each element plays a crucial role, from the vibrant bell peppers adding crunch and color to the perfectly seasoned beef that brings depth to the sauce.
- Extra lean ground beef (455g / 1lb): Provides hearty protein with less fat for a cleaner taste.
- Onion, finely diced (1): Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic, crushed (2 cloves): Brings aromatic richness that enhances every bite.
- Uncooked spaghetti (250g / 8.5oz): The comforting pasta base that soaks up all those amazing flavors.
- Tomato paste (4 tablespoons): Intensifies the sauce with concentrated tomato goodness.
- Salsa (1 cup / 250g): The star ingredient lending vibrant, tangy notes—choose mild or medium spice depending on your heat preference.
- Chicken or beef stock (1 cup / 240ml): Adds moisture and deepens the savory profile of the bake.
- Reduced-fat sour cream (6 tablespoons): Creamy texture that balances the spices perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese, grated (50g / 1.8oz): Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy top layer.
- Cheddar or red Leicester cheese, grated (50g / 1.8oz): Offers sharpness and vibrant color to the cheese blend.
- Red and green bell peppers, finely diced (½ each): Adds sweetness, crunch, and a burst of color atop the bake.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil spray: Helps coat the pasta and keeps it from sticking.
- Taco seasoning mix: 1 tbsp paprika, 1.5 tsp cumin, 1.5 tsp mild chili powder, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) — blends spices to create that authentic taco flavor punch.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Taco Seasoning
Begin by combining all the spices for the taco seasoning in a small bowl. This homemade blend is what transforms the dish from a simple spaghetti bake into a fiesta of flavor, so mix it up carefully to ensure every bite sings with seasoning.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with diced onion and crushed garlic. As the beef browns and the onion softens, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that hints at the delicious dish to come. This process takes around 7 to 8 minutes—make sure the beef is nicely browned for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Simmer the Sauce
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix, tomato paste, salsa, and stock. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes. This step melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a thick, savory sauce that clings to the spaghetti later on.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti in boiling salted water according to package directions. Don’t forget to reserve about ⅓ cup (80ml) of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water will help loosen the sauce and bind everything together perfectly. Once drained, spray the pasta lightly with olive oil and toss so the strands don’t clump.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti into the pan with the meat sauce, along with sour cream and the reserved pasta water. Stir everything until the pasta is completely coated with the silky, spicy sauce. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper if needed. This creamy, tangy pasta mixture is the heart of your bake.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, or gas mark 5. This is the perfect temperature to melt the cheese and develop a golden crust without drying out the pasta bake.
Step 7: Assemble the Bake
Transfer your spaghetti mixture to an ovenproof dish and scatter the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top. Sprinkle the finely diced red and green bell peppers over the cheese for added texture and bright, fresh flavor.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles, melts, and turns a gorgeous golden brown color.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Bring your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake to the table hot and fresh from the oven. The melty cheese, spicy-sweet sauce, and comforting pasta make every forkful a treat you’ll want to savor again and again.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped coriander or parsley to add a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich, cheesy flavors. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips can also add nice creaminess and crunch, making each serving extra delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette or some simple steamed vegetables. Cornbread or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments, especially if you like to have a little extra to mop up the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive presentation. You could also load this bake into warmed tortillas for a layered taco pasta casserole experience that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day. Simply store in an airtight container to retain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave in short bursts to keep the pasta tender and the cheese melty. Add a splash of water or stock if it seems a little dry before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, penne or fusilli would also hold the sauce well and add a fun shape twist to your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s designed to be flavorful with a mild to medium spice level, but you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper and chili powder in the taco seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based mince or cooked lentils and use vegetable stock instead. The combination of spices and salsa really carries the dish’s bold flavors without meat.
What type of salsa works best?
Choose a mild or medium salsa depending on your taste. Chunky salsas work well to add texture, but a smoother salsa will still blend nicely into the sauce.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is ready when the cheese is melted and golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The aroma will also tell you it’s time to dig in!
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its perfect harmony of zesty spices, creamy cheese, and comforting pasta. It’s one of those recipes that’s surprisingly easy to make yet feels special enough to share with friends and family anytime. If you love dishes that combine bold flavors and cheesy goodness in a homey, satisfying way, this one is truly a must-try. Get ready to add a new favorite to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a delicious fusion of Mexican-inspired taco flavors and classic Italian pasta, baked to perfection with gooey melted cheese and vibrant bell peppers. A hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, combining lean ground beef with a zesty taco seasoning, tangy salsa, and creamy sour cream for extra richness.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Bake:
- 455g (1lb) extra lean ground beef (mince)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 250g (8.5oz) uncooked spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup (250g) salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or beef stock
- 6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
- 50g (1.8oz) mozzarella, grated
- 50g (1.8oz) cheddar or red Leicester cheese, grated
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons mild chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preferred spice level)
Instructions
- Make the Taco Seasoning: Combine all taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside to use later in the recipe.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Seasoning & Simmer: Stir in the prepared taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and chicken or beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pot, boil salted water. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve â…“ cup (80ml) of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Spray the drained spaghetti lightly with olive oil and toss to coat to prevent sticking.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat mixture along with the sour cream and reserved pasta water. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, or gas mark 5 to prepare for baking.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the spaghetti and meat mixture into an ovenproof baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Scatter the finely diced red and green bell peppers over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot for a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper for spiciness according to your preference.
- Use either chicken or beef stock depending on your flavor choice.
- Spraying the cooked spaghetti with olive oil prevents it from clumping together before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.
