Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake

Cheesy taco spaghetti casserole blends tender pasta with savory ground beef, chili beans, and smooth Velveeta for a comforting onepan meal. Taco seasoning brings zesty flavor, while layers of melted cheese finish the bake with irresistible richness. Quick to prepare and easy on the budget, this dish is perfect for feeding a family and enjoys rave reviews from both kids and adults. Bake until bubbly and golden, then serve straight from the oven or save leftovers for an easy nextday dinner that reheats beautifully.

I first threw this together during a hectic sports week and it instantly became a regular in our meal rotation. The cheesy smell alone pulls everyone straight to the table.

Ingredients

• Thin spaghetti noodles: because they cook quickly and soak up the taco flavors perfectly Always look for even sized noodles for consistent cooking
• Ground beef: adds richness and protein Use fresh beef if possible for the best taste
• Taco seasoning: brings all the zesty taco vibes Choose a low sodium version or your favorite homemade mix
• Chili beans (undrained): keep the casserole moist and flavorful Look for beans with good chili seasoning in the sauce
• Tomato sauce: gives tang and depth Opt for plain tomato sauce rather than heavily herbed varieties
• Velveeta cheese (cubed): is the secret to the casserole’s creaminess Use fresh unopened Velveeta so it melts smoothly
• Shredded cheese: creates a golden bubbly top Pick a good melting cheese blend like cheddar or Colby Jack

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of water and cook the spaghetti noodles until just al dente Drain thoroughly They should retain a slight bite to ensure they don’t become mushy in the bake

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground beef Cook while stirring often until all pink has disappeared Take your time here to develop richer flavor and better texture

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add water Stir until the spices coat every bit of meat Lower the heat and let the mixture gently simmer so the flavors meld together nicely

Add the Beans Sauce and Cheese:

Stir in the entire can of undrained chili beans then add the tomato sauce and Velveeta cubes Gently cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese melts into a thick creamy sauce

Combine with Pasta:

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

Assemble in Casserole:

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 by 13 baking dish Spread evenly to cover all corners ensuring a uniform bake

Top and Bake:

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for about twenty minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole bubbles around the edges

Velveeta is my personal hero ingredient here. The way it melts and turns everything creamy cannot be beaten. My kids remember this meal as our Friday night movie dinner and they always associate that creamy cheese with fun family time.

Storage Tips

Once cooled completely spoon any leftovers into airtight containers and place in the refrigerator They will keep well for up to four days. For longer storage you can freeze single portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil When ready to eat reheat in the microwave or oven with an extra sprinkle of cheese to refresh the top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used if you want to lighten the dish You can substitute a mix of black beans and pinto beans instead of chili beans if needed For the cheese topping any melt friendly cheese blend will work Gluten free noodles are also an option just cook them gently as they tend to break down faster.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy casserole does not require much on the side but pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro fresh tomatoes or sliced jalapeños add a colorful twist It is always a hit at potlucks and disappears quickly.

This casserole is an easy, family friendly weeknight winner that reheats beautifully. Serve with a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Common Questions About the 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 offers a lighter alternative while maintaining rich flavor in this dish.

→ Can this be assembled ahead and refrigerated?

Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate tightly covered for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

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

Penne, rotini, or ziti all work well; just adjust cook times for the different pasta shapes.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in microwave or oven.

→ Can I make this spicy?

Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to increase heat level.