Name: Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup salsa; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup frozen corn; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional); Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting, and downright fun dinner, let me present the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake! This irresistible casserole blends the familiar comfort of pasta with those bold, zesty flavors you love in tacos—think saucy beef, creamy cheese, black beans, and crunchy corn all tucked beneath a bubbly, golden top. It’s satisfying, simple to pull together, and an instant favorite with kids and adults alike. This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is about to add some serious excitement to your weeknight routine!

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one adds something special—whether it’s richness, color, or a pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake shine.

Spaghetti (8 oz): Classic pasta brings tender texture to soak up all that saucy goodness.
Ground Beef (1 lb): Hearty, savory beef forms the flavorful base—substitute ground turkey or chicken if you like.
Taco Seasoning (1 packet): Packs that essential Tex-Mex punch, with all the right spices in one handy packet.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps the seasoning coat the beef and creates a little saucy magic.
Salsa (1 cup): Choose your favorite—mild, medium, or hot—to add juicy tomatoes and zingy flavor.
Canned Black Beans (1 cup, drained and rinsed): Brings hearty protein and a creamy bite.
Frozen Corn (1 cup): Adds sweet little pops of color and crunch; no need to thaw first!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey cheese ties it all together and provides that irresistible golden top.
Sliced Black Olives (1/4 cup, optional): Briny, savory, and adds a pop of color—totally optional but so tasty!
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (for garnish): Brightens everything with a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick mist of oil or nonstick spray—this helps everything lift out beautifully later. Meanwhile, get your spaghetti boiling according to the package directions until just al dente. This way, the pasta will finish perfectly as it bakes in all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the noodles cook, place a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Let it sizzle and brown for about five to six minutes, using a wooden spoon to break up any big pieces. Don’t forget to drain off excess fat—this keeps your Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake from getting greasy.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Sauce

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over your cooked beef, pour in the water, and stir to coat every bite. Let it bubble gently for two minutes so the flavors infuse into the meat. Stir in your salsa, black beans, and corn, letting everything get cozy and well combined—just the aroma will have you counting down to dinner!

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish

Into your prepared baking dish, add the drained spaghetti, that saucy beef mixture, and half (one cup) of the shredded cheese. Toss everything together until it’s evenly mixed and every strand of pasta is coated in zesty goodness.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Spread the mixture evenly, then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese right over the top. If you’re like me and love a little extra flair, scatter on those sliced olives, too. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown at the edges.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake from the oven, and shower it with fresh cilantro just before serving. Gather your family or friends, scoop out generous portions, and get ready for lots of happy smiles!

How to Serve Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake

Garnishes

Sprinkling a handful of chopped fresh cilantro over the hot casserole brightens up every bite, but don’t stop there—feel free to add sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a few diced tomatoes to finish things off. Even a few sliced jalapeños look (and taste) amazing for extra heat!

Side Dishes

This hearty Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake can fly solo, but it’s also fantastic with some fun and easy sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad, some crunchy tortilla chips, or a bowl of guacamole. Even sweet corn muffins or a quick batch of Mexican-style rice would make it a show-stopping meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take the presentation up a notch, scoop individual servings into small ramekins for a party, or top each portion with a little extra cheese and broil for a bubbly finish. It also works wonderfully as a filling for warm tortillas or loaded into crisp taco shells—just another way to enjoy Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake makes for a dream lunch the next day! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your leftovers just as crave-worthy.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Assemble the entire casserole (but hold off on baking), wrap it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick dinner, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and add a few extra minutes to your bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or cover larger portions with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw first for best results—add a little splash of water or broth if it looks dry, and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti brings a fun twist to this dish, you can swap in penne, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand—just aim for a similar cooking time so everything bakes up perfectly.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat or add extra beans and corn for a delicious meatless version that’s just as satisfying and full of those signature taco flavors.

How can I make this spicier?

For those who love kick, go with a hot salsa, add diced pickled jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper during the beef step, or top baked portions with hot sauce for extra punch.

Can this be made ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a meal prep superstar. Assemble the casserole up to two days in advance, refrigerate it unbaked, and simply add 5-10 minutes to your bake time when you’re ready.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Cheddar gives the classic rich flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully and melt into gorgeous bubbly layers—feel free to mix it up!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this irresistible Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake! Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or bringing a dish to share, it’s the kind of meal that brings smiles (and requests for seconds) every single time. Give it a try—you just might discover a new favorite comfort food!

Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake combines the flavors of tacos with gooey cheese and savory beef for a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

8 oz spaghetti

Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 cup salsa
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water, cooking for 2 minutes. Add salsa, black beans, and corn, stirring to combine.
Assemble and Bake: In the baking dish, toss together the cooked spaghetti, beef mixture, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Spread evenly, top with remaining cheese and black olives if using. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.