Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy & Flavorful: The blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the taco-seasoned beef and spaghetti.
Perfectly Spiced: Taco seasoning gives this dish just the right level of heat and flavor without being overwhelming.
Quick & Easy: With just 45 minutes total prep and cook time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Low Calorie: This recipe is a great option for a lighter meal that’s still rich in flavor.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference, or add extra veggies for more crunch and color.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Spaghetti Bake:

455g (1lb) extra lean ground beef (mince)
1 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
250g (8.5oz) uncooked spaghetti
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup (250g) salsa (mild or medium)
1 cup (240ml) chicken or beef stock
6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
50g (1.8oz) mozzarella, grated
50g (1.8oz) cheddar or red Leicester cheese, grated
½ red bell pepper, finely diced
½ green bell pepper, finely diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray

For the Taco Seasoning:

1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
1.5 teaspoons cumin
1.5 teaspoons mild chili powder
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preferred spice level)

Directions

Make the Taco Seasoning: Combine all the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and crushed garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes.
Add Seasoning & Simmer: Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and chicken or beef stock to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the Spaghetti: In a separate pot, cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Reserve ⅓ cup (80ml) of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. Spray the pasta with olive oil spray and toss to coat.
Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat mixture along with the sour cream and reserved pasta water. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan), 375°F, or gas mark 5.
Assemble the Bake: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into an ovenproof dish and top with grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the diced red and green bell peppers over the top.
Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Adjust the level of cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning for more heat.
Lighter Version: Substitute full-fat sour cream if you prefer a richer dish.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or corn to the mixture before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the spaghetti bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe for a leaner option.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and bake it from frozen or after thawing.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. With its cheesy, spicy filling and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.