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Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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