Creamy Taco Spaghetti Delight brings together the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting texture of pasta in one hearty, cheesy dish. This fusion recipe features taco-seasoned meat, spaghetti noodles, a creamy tomato-based sauce, and two types of cheese—all baked to perfection and topped with fresh garnishes for a satisfying family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Tex-Mex Flavor: Combines taco-seasoned ground meat with spicy tomatoes and melty cheese.
Creamy and Comforting: Sour cream and cheese give the dish a rich, creamy texture.
One-Dish Meal: All your favorite taco and pasta elements in one easy casserole.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients and minimal prep time.
Great for Leftovers: Stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or ground turkey
Taco seasoning mix
Water
Spaghetti noodles
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Green onions, chopped
Black olives, sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper

directions

Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and ½ cup of water. Let simmer for about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Boil the Pasta:
While the meat cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the taco-seasoned meat, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir until evenly combined.
Bake the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and pour in the spaghetti mixture. Spread evenly and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions and sliced black olives if using. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Version: Use hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with black beans or plant-based meat alternatives.
Cream Cheese Boost: Mix in a few tablespoons of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Mexican Blend Cheese: Replace cheddar and mozzarella with a pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooled, baked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni also work well with this recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if cold.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the tomatoes with green chilies. Adjust by choosing mild or hot versions based on your preference.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative and adds a similar creamy texture with more protein.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

A combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives a great balance of flavor and meltiness, but feel free to use your favorites.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—corn, bell peppers, or black beans make great additions.

Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?

No, bake uncovered to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish. Extend the baking time as needed.

What kind of baking dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch dish works well for this recipe.

How can I make it lower in fat?

Use lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and light sour cream to reduce the fat content.

Conclusion

Creamy Taco Spaghetti Delight is the ultimate fusion of taco night and pasta night, offering a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal the whole family will enjoy. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for leftovers—making it a reliable addition to your weekly dinner rotation.

Creamy Taco Spaghetti Delight

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Taco Spaghetti Delight is a bold and cheesy fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and classic pasta comfort. Featuring taco-seasoned ground meat, tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, and melty cheese, this baked spaghetti dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Instructions

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning mix
½ cup water
12 oz spaghetti noodles
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup green onions, chopped
½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, taco meat, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until well combined.
Bake the Dish:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from oven and top with chopped green onions and black olives if desired.
- Serve hot

Notes

Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
For added spice, mix in a chopped jalapeño or use spicy taco seasoning.
Leftovers reheat well for up to 3 days.