Description
Comfort meets zesty mexican spaghetti casserole in this hearty dish that blends creamy textures with bold southwestern flavors. Cheese-covered layers combine ground beef, pasta, and spicy seasonings for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
Main Pasta and Vegetable Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Seasonings and Dairy Components:
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapenos
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Extra sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta foundation by submerging spaghetti into vigorously boiling, seasoned water. Cook until perfectly tender yet firm, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Transform ground beef in a spacious skillet, sautéing with diced onions until meat browns richly and develops deep caramelized edges. Incorporate aromatic garlic and bold spice blend, stirring to release intense flavors.
- Elevate the meat mixture by introducing zesty Rotel, robust tomato sauce, and tangy salsa. Allow ingredients to meld and simmer, creating a vibrant, complex sauce that coats the protein generously.
- Orchestrate the casserole’s foundation by gently coating spaghetti strands with creamy sour cream and distributing a generous portion of shredded cheese throughout the pasta.
- Construct layered architecture in a prepared baking vessel, alternating between seasoned pasta and spiced meat mixture. Create strategic layers to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
- Crown the casserole with remaining cheese, allowing it to create a golden, crispy landscape across the surface.
- Transfer to a preheated oven, baking until cheese transforms into a bubbling, molten blanket and edges become tantalizingly crisp.
- Remove from oven and allow brief resting time to stabilize layers. Embellish with fresh cilantro and optional complementary toppings for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Perfectly cook pasta by salting water generously and testing for al dente texture to prevent mushiness.
- Drain pasta immediately after cooking and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using mild salsa for sensitive palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg