Throw the spaghetti into the casserole dish first. The magic’s all in the toppings.
Combining the zest of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti, Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a fun twist on your typical weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for those evenings when you can’t decide between Mexican and Italian. This dish blends the vibrant flavors of traditional tacos with the hearty presence of spaghetti, creating a one-dish meal that pleases crowds and is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
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Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering casserole:
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| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked spaghetti | 8 ounces |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Taco seasoning mix | 1 package (1 oz) |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Salsa | 1 cup |
| Frozen corn kernels, thawed | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Sliced black olives (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Sour cream for topping (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Sliced green onions for garnish (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.
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2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming too oily.
3. Add Taco Seasoning and Water
Stir in the taco seasoning and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, or until it thickens. This step is crucial as it infuses the beef with that classic taco flavor.
4. Mix in Salsa and Corn
Add the salsa and thawed corn to the skillet, continuing to heat through. This adds a tangy and sweet element to your casserole, making it even more flavorful.
5. Combine with Spaghetti
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the taco meat mixture. Toss until the spaghetti is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for ensuring the casserole cooks evenly.
7. Add Cheese and Olives
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and sliced black olives over the top. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping, while the olives add a burst of flavor.
8. Bake in the Oven
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro. These fresh toppings add a delightful contrast to the rich casserole.
