Description

The Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, taco seasoning, and melted cheese, baked to perfection. A flavorful, hearty, and customizable dish, it’s perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

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)

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Instructions

Make the Taco Seasoning: Combine all 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 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 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!

Notes

Spicy Kick: Adjust the level of cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning for more heat.

Lighter Version: Substitute full-fat sour cream for a richer dish.

Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course, Family-Friendly Meals, Comfort Food
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American