If you love the comforting, zesty flavors of tacos and crave the cozy feel of pasta baked to perfection, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender spaghetti with spicy-saucy chicken and melty cheese goodness, all baked into a warm casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a fusion that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a festive meal to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a key role in making this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe sing. From the creamy textures to the bold flavors and a little fresh brightness, everything combines beautifully to build layers of deliciousness.
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta: Cooked al dente to provide a light, slightly firm base that holds up well in the casserole.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded: Adds hearty protein and soaks up all the taco-seasoned flavors effortlessly.
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided: Melts perfectly, providing gooey richness and that irresistible cheesiness.
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup: Creates a smooth, creamy sauce that binds everything together with subtle savoriness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, balancing out the spices.
- 1 cup salsa: Brings spice, acidity, and a zesty punch to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: The magic dust that delivers authentic taco flavor with warmth and a touch of heat.
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional): Brings a fresh herbal note and a pop of color for that restaurant-quality finish.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out beautifully baked and golden on the edges.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your perfectly cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of the Mexican blend cheese. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning until every strand of spaghetti and shred of chicken is coated with that creamy, spicy goodness.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer this delicious mixture to your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot and the cheese has melted into a golden, gooey layer that makes this recipe truly irresistible.
Step 4: Cool and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give the casserole a few minutes to cool slightly so it sets up just right for serving. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a bright and fresh finish that elevates the dish with a lovely herbaceous note.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro is a classic, but you can also offer chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or even some avocado slices on the side. These garnishes add layers of flavor and texture that complement the rich, cheesy casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or a medley of grilled vegetables. Cornbread or warm tortilla chips are also excellent companions, offering a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress up this comforting classic, serve it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or pile it high in a colorful serving dish and let guests dig in family-style. You can also layer some extra salsa on top before baking for a vibrant, saucy twist that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making for tasty second helpings.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap after baking but before the final garnish, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbling. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method keeps the texture and taste just right without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken in this Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully and will give the casserole a more traditional taco vibe. Just cook and season it with taco seasoning before mixing it into the pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap out the chicken for beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and skip the cream of chicken soup in favor of cream of mushroom or vegetable soup to keep it meat-free but flavorful.
What type of salsa works best?
Choose a salsa with a flavor profile you enjoy—mild, medium, or hot. Chunky salsas add more texture, while smooth ones blend more seamlessly into the creamy base.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it a little longer to ensure it’s heated through completely.
Is it necessary to cook the spaghetti before mixing?
Yes, cooking the spaghetti al dente before mixing is essential to achieve the perfect texture. It prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, fun, and utterly delicious meal to brighten up any dinner table, the Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is your new go-to. It’s easy to make, full of bold flavors, and has a way of bringing people together over seconds and smiles. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite weeknight dinner or party-showstopper!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican American
Description
This Taco Spaghetti Casserole is a flavorful fusion dish combining the comfort of creamy pasta with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors. Featuring tender chicken, a blend of Mexican cheeses, and a creamy sauce enriched with salsa and taco seasoning, this casserole is perfect for a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare yet full of bold taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Fresh chopped cilantro for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving after baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with chopped or shredded chicken, 1 cup of the Mexican blend cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute all the ingredients, creating a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mexican blend cheese over the top to create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese has melted nicely.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly to set before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- For spicier flavor, use a hot salsa or add jalapeños.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and confirm taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- If desired, add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
