Zesty Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: Fiesta in a Dish!

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy mexican spaghetti casserole that blends zesty flavors and hearty ingredients.

Spicy and creamy textures dance together in every single bite.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender pasta and seasoned meat.

The combination of traditional spaghetti with mexican-inspired spices brings an unexpected twist to your dinner table.

Sharp cheddar and pepper jack melt into a luscious sauce that coats each strand of pasta.

This crowd-pleasing dish promises to satisfy those craving something beyond ordinary pasta recipes.

You’ll want to serve this delectable casserole that transforms a simple meal into a celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

• Spaghetti: Classic noodle that provides hearty foundation with perfect texture for absorbing rich flavors.

• Ground Beef: Robust protein delivering deep, savory taste with classic Mexican-inspired profile.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds sweet undertones and incredible depth to meat mixture.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer with powerful aromatic punch.
• Taco Seasoning: Zesty blend capturing authentic southwestern spice spectrum.
• Cumin: Earthy spice with warm, distinctive Mexican cooking character.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky, complex flavor that adds subtle warmth and rich color.
• Salt: Essential flavor amplifier balancing entire dish.

• Rotel: Spicy tomato blend introducing tangy southwestern kick with mild heat.
• Tomato Sauce: Smooth, rich base creating harmonious sauce consistency.
• Salsa: Vibrant condiment adding fresh, zesty complexity.

• Sour Cream: Silky ingredient providing luxurious creaminess and subtle tanginess.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping creating irresistible golden, gooey texture.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb offering bright, clean garnish with authentic Mexican essence.

Tools To Make Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

• Large Pot: Perfect for boiling spaghetti and creating perfectly cooked pasta.
• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and creating a flavorful meat mixture.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing spaghetti with sour cream and cheese.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings.

Steps To Prepare Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

• Fire Up the Pasta Pot

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Once done, drain and set aside, ready for the flavor adventure.

• Sizzle the Meat Magic

In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions until they’re golden and delicious. Drain any extra grease. Splash in garlic and spices, letting them dance and release their aromatic charm. Pour in Rotel, tomato sauce, and salsa, creating a zesty sauce that’ll make taste buds sing.

• Layer Your Flavor Masterpiece

Crank the oven to 375F. Mix cooked spaghetti with sour cream and half the cheese in a big bowl. Spread this creamy base into a greased baking dish. Drape the spicy meat mixture over the top, creating delicious layers. Blanket everything with remaining cheese for that irresistible melty finish.

• Bake and Celebrate

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake until cheese transforms into a bubbling golden landscape. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro. Slice, serve, and enjoy your Mexican-inspired pasta paradise.

Flavor Boosts For Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to intensify the spice level and create a zingier meat mixture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Protein Power Play: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free spaghetti and verify that taco seasoning is gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Serving Up Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

• Family Fiesta Night: Perfect for a lively dinner where everyone gathers around, enjoying the spicy and cheesy Mexican spaghetti casserole together.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform the classic taco night by serving this casserole as a fun and unexpected main dish that brings exciting Mexican flavors to the table.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for sports watching parties, potlucks, or casual gatherings where guests will love the hearty and flavorful one-dish meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepare ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches.

Store Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe With Ease

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up two casseroles simultaneously – one for immediate enjoyment and another for freezing. Wrap the second dish tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for quick future meals.
• Chilled Storage Strategy: Safely store leftovers in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Prepare the entire casserole before baking, then wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed in the original recipe.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning.

Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican spaghetti casserole brings together zesty flavors and comforting textures in one delightful dish. Cheese, peppers, and spices create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or any pasta)
• 1 (10 oz/283 g) can rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
• 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps homemade)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Extra sour cream

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse spaghetti in heavily salted, rolling boiling water until al dente. Drain completely and reserve for assembly.
2. Meat Transformation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions until deeply caramelized. Integrate minced garlic and spice mixture, releasing robust aromatics throughout the protein.
3. Sauce Development: Introduce Rotel, tomato sauce, and salsa to the skillet. Simmer the mixture, allowing flavors to intertwine and create a rich, complex sauce that envelops the meat completely.
4. Casserole Foundation: Gently coat spaghetti with sour cream, ensuring thorough coverage. Distribute shredded cheese generously throughout the pasta, creating a creamy, cohesive base.
5. Layering Construction: In a prepared baking dish, strategically alternate layers of seasoned pasta and spiced meat mixture. Ensure even distribution to maximize flavor profile in each bite.
6. Cheese Finalization: Blanket the casserole’s surface with remaining cheese, creating a golden, crispy topping that will transform during baking.
7. Baking and Finishing: Slide the casserole into a preheated oven, baking until cheese becomes molten and edges crisp. Allow a brief resting period to stabilize layers. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Manage Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring each strand maintains a delightful bite and absorbs sauce perfectly without becoming soggy.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder or salsa intensity based on personal heat tolerance, allowing customization for mild to fiery flavor profiles without overwhelming the dish.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for complex flavor and superior melting, creating a rich, golden crust that delivers irresistible texture and taste.
• Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different nutritional needs without compromising flavor integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg