Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake

This cheesy taco spaghetti casserole blends pasta, ground beef, chili beans, and creamy Velveeta into a comforting onepan dinner that families adore. With zesty taco seasoning and layers of melted cheese, it’s easy to make, budgetfriendly, and hits all the right salty and savory notes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when feeding a crowd, and leftovers reheat amazingly well for effortless nextday meals.

I first threw this together during a crazy sports week and it quickly became a family favorite. The cheesy aroma pulls everyone to the table and somehow even the pickiest eaters dive right in.

Ingredients

• Thin spaghetti noodles: Thin spaghetti noodles because they cook quickly and soak up that zesty taco flavor wonderfully Look for evensized noodles so they cook uniformly
• Ground beef: Ground beef adds rich protein and savory depth Fresh beef will give you the best flavor but frozen works in a pinch
• Taco seasoning: Taco seasoning brings the iconic taco spice and heat Choose your favorite or low sodium if you're watching salt
• Chili beans undrained: Chili beans undrained add moisture and bold chili flavor The sauce they come in is key to keeping the casserole juicy
• Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce provides tang and a hint of sweetness Use a plain version without extra herbs for balanced flavor
• Velveeta cheese cubed: Velveeta cheese cubed creates the creamy texture that pulls every bite together Always use fresh unopened Velveeta for smooth melting
• Shredded cheese tops: Shredded cheese tops the casserole with a golden bubbly crust Pick a good melting blend like cheddar or Colby Jack for best results

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles until just al dente This means they should still have a small bite and not be mushy Drain thoroughly and set aside

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground beef Stir frequently and cook until no pink remains This step builds flavor and texture so take your time here

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef Add the recommended amount of water Stir all the spices in thoroughly Lower the heat and let it gently simmer allowing the flavors to meld

Add the Beans Sauce and Cheese:

Stir in the entire can of undrained chili beans then pour in the tomato sauce Next add the Velveeta cubes Keep the heat low and stir gently until the cheese melts completely and creates a thick creamy sauce

Combine with Pasta:

Pour the cheesy beef mixture back into the pot with the drained spaghetti Toss well so every noodle is coated evenly with sauce

Assemble in Casserole:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and pour in the pasta and meat mixture Spread it out evenly to ensure a uniform bake

Top and Bake:

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges

Velveeta is my secret weapon here The way it melts seamlessly into the sauce creates this creamy richness that you just can't replicate Another favorite memory is making this for Friday movie nights which my kids now associate with cozy family time and lots of laughter

Storage Tips

Once completely cooled, pack leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days For longer storage, freeze single portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil Reheat gently in the microwave or oven adding a little extra cheese on top to freshen the flavor

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version You can swap the chili beans for a mix of black beans and pinto beans depending on what you have on hand For the cheese topping any meltfriendly cheeses like mozzarella or a Mexican blend work great Glutenfree noodles also swap in easily just watch the cooking times as they tend to cook faster

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness For a fresh kick, top with chopped cilantro diced tomatoes or sliced jalapeños I often bring this to potlucks and it literally disappears before any other dish

This casserole is a simple family pleaser perfect for weeknights and potlucks. Leftovers reheat well and make an easy nextmeal.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cheese besides Velveeta?

Yes, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends melt well and add delicious flavor to the dish.

→ Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey offers a lighter alternative while maintaining the savory taste.

→ Can this be assembled ahead and refrigerated?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate tightly covered for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What pasta shapes work if I don’t have spaghetti?

Pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti work well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat easily.

→ Can I make this spicy?

Yes, add diced jalapeño, extra chili powder, or hot sauce to the meat mixture for heat.