Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake

Cheesy taco spaghetti casserole blends tender pasta, savory ground beef, chili beans, and smooth Velveeta cheese into a comforting onepan dinner. The taco seasoning adds a lively zest that wakes up the dish, and the melted cheese creates a creamy, rich texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It is quick to prepare and friendly to your budget, perfect for feeding a family or a gathering. The best part is how it bakes to a golden bubbly finish that you can enjoy straight from the oven or save as delicious leftovers.

I first made this during a chaotic week with after school activities and instantly it became our goto. Everyone in the family asks for it regularly now, especially when we want a fussfree, cozy meal.

Ingredients

• Thin spaghetti noodles: for quick cooking and perfect sauce absorption Look for noodles that are all about the same size so they cook evenly
• Ground beef: adds hearty protein and depth of flavor Fresh beef tastes best and browns more evenly
• Taco seasoning: brings classic zesty taco flavors Use your favorite blend or low sodium if you want more control on salt
• Chili beans undrained: keep it moist and add a subtly spiced richness Opt for beans that come with a good chili sauce inside the can
• Tomato sauce: adds tangy depth Choose plain tomato sauce without herbs for a clean base
• Velveeta cheese cubed: is the secret to crazy creamy texture Make sure it is fresh and unopened so it melts perfectly smooth
• Shredded cheese: for a golden bubbly topping Pick a blend that melts well like cheddar or Colby Jack for that irresistible crust

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook spaghetti noodles until just al dente Drain thoroughly but do not overdry as they need a bit of moisture to finish cooking in the oven

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium heat Then crumble in the ground beef and cook stirring often until no pink remains Browning fully at this stage develops flavor and texture so do not rush through it

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef Add the water and stir until the spices coat all the meat evenly Lower the heat and let it simmer gently to blend flavors well

Add the Beans Sauce and Cheese:

Stir in the entire can of undrained chili beans Then add the tomato sauce and Velveeta cubes Stir carefully over low heat until the Velveeta melts into a creamy, thick sauce

Combine with Pasta:

Pour the cheesy beef and bean mixture into the drained pot of noodles Toss everything together thoroughly so every strand is well coated with sauce

Assemble in Casserole:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and pour in the combined mixture Spread it out evenly for a uniform bake

Top and Bake:

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake uncovered in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty minutes or until cheese melts and casserole bubbles around the edges

My kids always think back to this casserole as our Friday night movie meal Its creamy cheese sauce feels like a warm, fun hug on a plate

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely then spoon leftovers into airtight containers Refrigerate for up to four days For longer storage freeze single portions wrapped tightly with plastic and foil Reheat gently in microwave or oven, adding a little cheese on top to refresh the texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used to lighten the dish You can swap chili beans for a mix of black beans and pinto beans if you prefer Any melt friendly cheese works well for the topping Gluten free noodles can be used just cook carefully as they tend to be more delicate

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for a fresh balance Add chopped cilantro, fresh tomatoes or sliced jalapeno peppers on top to brighten and spice it up This casserole makes a great potluck dish because it disappears fast

This cheesy taco spaghetti casserole is a go to for busy nights when comfort and simplicity come first. It never fails to fill the table with satisfied smiles and full bellies.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use a different cheese besides Velveeta?

Yes, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and add delicious flavor to the bake.

→ Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey makes a lighter alternative without sacrificing the savory taste of the dish.

→ Can this be assembled ahead and refrigerated?

It can be assembled in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What pasta shapes work if I don’t have spaghetti?

Penne, rotini, or ziti can be used instead; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat easily.

→ Can I make this spicy?

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.