This Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, with a spicy taco-seasoned twist. The blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a creamy and flavorful topping, making each bite a delicious, cheesy indulgence. The addition of green onions and cilantro brings a refreshing pop of color and flavor, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. You can customize the level of heat by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or using a milder version if preferred. Either way, you’ll end up with a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!
Full Recipe:
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1 lb spaghetti
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1 lb ground beef or turkey
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat mixture, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheeses. Stir until well combined.
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Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Southwestern Baked Spaghetti: A Flavorful and Hearty Dish for Every Family Meal
Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is a twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, blending bold flavors of the Southwest with the comforting, cheesy texture of a baked pasta casserole. This dish is perfect for those who crave something a little different from traditional spaghetti. The combination of savory ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, and creamy cheese makes this dish both hearty and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or at a family gathering, Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Perfect Flavor Profile
The flavors in Southwestern Baked Spaghetti come together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. The taco seasoning gives the dish a warm, spiced kick, creating a savory base that’s perfect for pasta. The addition of cheese—cheddar and Monterey Jack—melts into the spaghetti, creating a rich, creamy layer that is irresistible. The green onions and cilantro sprinkled on top add a fresh and vibrant contrast to the richness of the dish, balancing the spicy elements with their refreshing flavors. This contrast of textures and flavors is what makes Southwestern Baked Spaghetti unique and delicious.
The dish features a perfect balance between cheesy indulgence and spicy Southwest flavors. The combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies brings a slight tang, while the sour cream adds a creamy element that makes the dish even more satisfying. It’s a great choice for those who love bold, southwestern-inspired flavors but don’t want to stray too far from the comforting, familiar textures of a pasta bake.
A Great Choice for Family Meals
One of the best things about Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is that it’s perfect for family meals. The ingredients are simple, and the preparation is easy to follow. Once you’ve got everything mixed together, you just need to bake it in the oven for a short amount of time. This means you can prepare the dish quickly, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones. The meal also works well for busy families who want to prepare a hearty dish that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking, making it even more convenient for busy households.
This dish also serves a crowd, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, parties, or potlucks. If you’re looking to feed a group of people, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled without sacrificing flavor. Its comforting flavors and filling ingredients mean that everyone will be satisfied after a generous helping. It’s a dish that both adults and kids can enjoy, making it a win for the whole family.
Customizing Your Southwestern Baked Spaghetti
One of the best aspects of Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or what you have available in your pantry. For example, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner protein. You can also adjust the amount of taco seasoning depending on how much heat you want in the dish—if you like it spicier, add a bit more seasoning, or opt for a mild version if you want to keep it kid-friendly.
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to boost the nutrient content. These veggies will blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding more texture and flavor to the dish. For a more vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with black beans, kidney beans, or even quinoa for added protein. You can also swap sour cream with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter, tangier option.
Another great way to customize Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is to experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, you can also try adding pepper jack for an extra kick or swapping one of the cheeses for a vegan alternative if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Perfect Pairings for Southwestern Baked Spaghetti
While Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides and drinks can elevate the meal even more. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh, zesty salad. A simple side salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing would complement the rich and cheesy flavors of the spaghetti perfectly. You could also add a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls for a bit of crunch and to soak up any extra sauce.
For a heartier side, roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob would pair wonderfully with the Southwestern flavors. If you want to enhance the spiciness of the dish, try serving it with a side of jalapeño cornbread or tortilla chips. The combination of textures—crispy chips and soft, cheesy pasta—will provide a delightful contrast.
When it comes to drinks, a cold beverage is a must to balance out the heat and richness of the spaghetti. A chilled margarita or a crisp, citrusy beer like a pale ale would pair beautifully with the flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a freshly made iced tea or lemonade would provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy and creamy pasta.
Why You Should Add Southwestern Baked Spaghetti to Your Meal Rotation
Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is a dish that checks all the boxes—delicious, easy to prepare, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Its blend of southwestern spices, creamy cheese, and comforting pasta makes it a perfect balance of bold and familiar flavors.
Moreover, the versatility of this recipe ensures that it can be adapted to meet your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply want to experiment with different ingredients, Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is a dish that can easily accommodate changes without losing its appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is a flavorful, easy-to-make, and customizable dish that is perfect for family meals and gatherings. With its rich and spicy flavors, creamy cheese, and comforting texture, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to your liking, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, southwestern-inspired flavors with a cheesy twist.