Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

“`html

If you’ve ever wished your favorite taco flavors could cozy up with your beloved spaghetti in one comforting dish, then you are going to adore this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. This delightful casserole brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, zesty salsa, and perfectly seasoned pasta for a meal that’s bursting with Tex-Mex spirit and pasta-night warmth all at once. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a big, delicious hug, perfect for family dinners or whenever you crave something both familiar and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet packed with layers of flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the cheesy richness, the spice kick, or the creamy texture that makes this casserole unforgettable.

• 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta: Cooked al dente, this forms the light and tender base to soak up all those vibrant flavors.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded: A hearty protein that adds substance and soaks in the spices beautifully.
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided: Bringing in melty gooeyness and a perfect gooey crust on top.
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup: Adds a creamy, comforting texture that ties everything together.
• 1 cup sour cream: For tangy creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
• 1 cup salsa: This is the heart of the taco flavor, contributing both moisture and vibrant zest.
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: The secret blend of spices that infuses the whole dish with authentic taco goodness.
• Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color that makes every bite feel lively.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to give your casserole a golden, bubbling finish. While the oven warms up, cook your thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — tender but with a slight bite that the casserole will highlight beautifully.

Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of the Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates a luscious, flavorful filling that’s creamy with just the right southwestern kick.

Step 3: Mix in the Pasta

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture so every strand is coated in that delicious sauce. This step is key because it distributes the flavors evenly, ensuring every bite delivers that perfect balance between hearty pasta and zesty taco flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer your pasta and filling combination into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the casserole cooks uniformly. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese on top, which will melt into a golden crust during baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown — that irresistible signal that your Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes — this lets it set up, making it easier to serve. For an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the creamy richness. For a little extra flair, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or even a squeeze of fresh lime can elevate the dish into something truly vibrant and inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple avocado and tomato salad to add refreshing crunch and balance out the richness. Cornbread or tortilla chips also make fantastic companions, perfect for scooping or soaking up any extra cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and chopped green onions. Adding a layered presentation with alternating pasta and chicken mixture layers before baking can also create a stunning visual effect and more pockets of cheesy delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld as it rests, making the next day’s meal just as tasty, if not better.

Freezing

Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just assemble it fully, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese on top is bubbling again. You can also microwave a single portion, but the oven helps maintain that lovely casserole texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground beef is a classic taco protein and works wonderfully in this casserole. Just cook it thoroughly with taco seasoning before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a lighter option or don’t have cream of chicken soup, try creamy Greek yogurt or a homemade white sauce with chicken broth and flour for similar creaminess and flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and corn for extra texture and taste.

Can I use regular spaghetti instead of thin spaghetti or angel hair?

Yes, regular spaghetti works fine as long as it’s cooked al dente. Thinner pasta just blends a little more smoothly in the casserole, but any pasta you love can be used.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?

This casserole has a mild to medium spice level from the taco seasoning and salsa, but you can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa and increasing or reducing the taco seasoning amount.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of those treasured dishes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles around the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and packs all your favorite taco flavors into a cozy pasta bake. Give it a try the next time you want an easy weeknight winner that feels special, and watch it become a new family favorite.

“`

Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 20 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a flavorful, comforting fusion dish combining the zest of taco seasoning with creamy, cheesy spaghetti baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it features tender chicken, salsa, and a Mexican cheese blend, all layered and baked in a casserole for an easy yet impressive meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of the Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
4. Combine Pasta and Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken mixture and stir gently to evenly coat the pasta without breaking it.
5. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, then serve warm for a delicious taco-inspired pasta meal.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked ground beef or turkey for chicken if preferred.
• Use mild or hot salsa to adjust the spice level to your taste.
• For a creamier texture, add a little extra sour cream or cheese.
• Make sure to cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
• This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American