Mexican Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This Mexican Spaghetti Casserole is a bold, flavorful twist on classic spaghetti, packed with seasoned ground beef, spicy Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and taco-inspired spices. Baked to perfection with a cheesy, bubbly top, this easy one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and hearty – A delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors.
• One-dish wonder – Easy cleanup with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep – Freezer-friendly and reheats well.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra toppings.
• Family-friendly – A comforting meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

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

For the casserole:

• 8 ounces spaghetti (or any pasta)
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

Optional toppings:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare pasta:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the beef mixture:

• In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
• Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, Rotel, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Assemble the casserole:

• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti.
• Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
• Dollop half of the sour cream over the sauce, then sprinkle with half the cheese.
• Repeat the layers with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, sour cream, and cheese.

4. Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

• Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with toppings of choice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Mexican Spaghetti: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Creamier Version: Stir cream cheese into the sauce for extra richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Use black beans or lentils instead of meat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella works best for flavor and meltiness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use mild Rotel and skip the chili powder.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or black beans make great additions.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from getting mushy?

Cook it just until al dente and avoid overbaking.

What can I serve with Mexican spaghetti casserole?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or tortilla chips pair well with this dish.

Can I make this without sour cream?

Yes, substitute Greek yogurt or omit it for a lighter version.

How do I make the casserole more filling?

Add extra protein like diced chicken or black beans.

Can I use enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce?

Yes! It adds an extra layer of Mexican flavor.

Conclusion

This Mexican Spaghetti Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this comforting dish is simple to make and full of bold, delicious flavors. Try it today and enjoy a fun twist on traditional spaghetti!

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