Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ready to wow your family or friends with something delightfully different? This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe brings together the best of two beloved dishes in one warm, cheesy, comforting casserole. Imagine tender spaghetti entwined with zesty salsa, seasoned chicken, and creamy goodness, all topped with melted cheese that makes every bite a fiesta of flavors. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and fridge makes this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe incredibly approachable. Every component plays a crucial role in layering the creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and satisfying colors that make this dish shine.
- Thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta (8 ounces): Cooks quickly and absorbs flavors wonderfully, giving the casserole a delicate yet hearty base.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Adds a protein-packed punch, shredded or chopped for perfect coverage throughout the dish.
- Mexican blend cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey top and mix-in richness.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10 ounces each): Acts as a creamy binder, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tang and creaminess, balancing the spices and enriching the texture.
- Salsa (1 cup): The star of the show for a lively, vibrant punch of authentic taco flavor.
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the whole dish with classic warm spices that unite all the ingredients.
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish for an extra pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things ready for baking. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until it is perfectly al dente—this means it will have a slight bite and not be mushy once baked in the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Core Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken with 1 1/2 cups of the Mexican blend cheese, the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir them together until every ingredient is evenly mixed, creating a luscious, flavorful filling that is the heart of the Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Mixture
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into your creamy chicken mixture. Take care to mix just enough so the pasta is coated but not broken down. This step ensures the noodles soak up all the taco-inspired goodness without losing their texture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Move your cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help the casserole cook uniformly and form that delicious crust on top.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This is when all those enticing aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling a tasty meal ahead!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This rest time helps it set for easier serving. If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top to add a burst of freshness and a beautiful contrast of color.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of fresh cilantro brightens each bite, but why stop there? Try dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra layer of zing and balance against the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
Complement the Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with crisp green salads like a classic romaine with lime vinaigrette or even grilled vegetables to add lightness and color to your plate. Cornbread or tortilla chips also pair beautifully for texture contrast and extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like spicing up the presentation? Serve individual portions in small casserole dishes or even bake in mini ramekins for a charming dinner party treat. You can also layer the ingredients in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the colorful layers, turning your meal into a visual delight before it’s even tasted.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some leftovers? No worries! Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch even more satisfying.
Freezing
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you want a cozy meal later, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, bake leftovers at 350°F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power to ensure the casserole heats evenly without drying out the cheese or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a classic taco filling and will work wonderfully in this casserole. Just cook and season it with taco spices before mixing it in.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken for beans, like black or pinto beans, or add lots of roasted vegetables. This keeps the dish hearty and comforting without meat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely. While thin spaghetti or angel hair is recommended for the light, tender texture, feel free to use any pasta shape you love, like rotini or penne—they’ll just add a bit more bite.
How spicy is this casserole?
The heat level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. For milder flavors, pick a mild salsa and seasoning, or spice it up with hotter versions to suit your taste buds.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole mixture and cover it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy days or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity and bold flavors in one dish. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, it’s sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food twist!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors with Italian pasta, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish perfect for a comforting dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
Main Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Cheese
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided (1 1/2 cups for mixing, 1/2 cup for topping)
For Garnish
- Fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the mixture, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown slightly.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the casserole before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
- For a spicier kick, use a salsa with added chilies or hot sauce.
- Substitute Mexican blend cheese with cheddar or Monterey jack if preferred.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
