If you have a hankering for something that’s both comfort food and fiesta-ready, you are absolutely going to love this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender strands of spaghetti mingling with creamy chicken, melted Mexican blend cheese, and a zesty punch of salsa and taco seasoning. This dish wraps up all the fun flavors of tacos in a warm, cheesy casserole that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. It’s one of those meals you’ll want to keep coming back to, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe takes just a handful of everyday ingredients, each chosen to build rich flavor, creamy texture, and that irresistible cheesy top layer. Nothing complicated here, just simple items that come together beautifully.
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta: Cooked al dente to provide that delicate but firm base texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded: Adds a hearty protein component that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided: Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy layers you can’t resist.
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup: Acts as a creamy binder that keeps every bite luscious and moist.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess to balance the spices and meltiness.
- 1 cup salsa: Packs in that vibrant, savory punch with tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses traditional taco flavor, pulling the whole dish together with aromatic spices.
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the casserole beautifully.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage so the casserole will bake perfectly with a bubbly, golden finish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti or angel hair pasta until it’s just al dente. This gives the noodles a slight bite so they don’t get mushy during baking. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken with 1 1/2 cups of Mexican blend cheese, the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir everything thoroughly so the flavors are evenly distributed, creamy, and ready to mingle.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Filling
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken and sauce mixture, making sure each strand is well coated without breaking the noodles. This creates a harmonious, cheesy mixture that’s full of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture evenly into it. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese over the top for a gorgeous melty finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes so it firms up slightly and is easier to serve. If you love a fresh herbal note, sprinkle with chopped cilantro before digging in.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The bright punch from fresh chopped cilantro effortlessly balances the rich, creamy casserole. You can also scatter some sliced jalapeños or diced avocado for extra color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs fabulously with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a side of roasted corn. Both add a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the creamy pasta that will delight your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in colorful ramekins for an easy dinner party presentation or spoon the casserole onto tostada shells for a fun taco-inspired twist. You can also top with dollops of guacamole or a squeeze of lime to brighten every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making second helpings just as crave-worthy as the first.
Freezing
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled leftovers into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave single servings, stirring halfway to keep the cheesy sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly in this casserole and gives it that classic taco meat flavor if you prefer.
Is it okay to prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before and store it unsliced in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
What kind of salsa works best?
Choose a medium or mild salsa that you enjoy eating on its own. Chunky salsas add more texture, while smooth ones blend seamlessly into the creamy base.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap out chicken for cooked beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and use a vegetarian cream soup alternative.
How spicy is the casserole?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and salsa. You can always adjust by choosing a milder or spicier salsa or adding more seasoning to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is truly a winner for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. It’s cheesy, comforting, and bursting with bright Mexican-inspired flavors that feel familiar and exciting at the same time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite crowd-pleaser in this one-dish wonder!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender spaghetti, seasoned chicken, creamy soup, salsa, and melty Mexican cheese, baked to perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Topping
- 1/2 cup Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Add Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture until evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the pasta mixture inside.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Mexican blend cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the cooked chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- You can use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To add extra veggies, consider mixing in diced bell peppers or corn before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a bit of chopped jalapeño or hot sauce to the mixture.
