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Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake With Crunchy Tortilla Topping

Kick off your dinner with this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake topped with crunchy tortillas—discover the secret ingredients that make it irresistible!
Servings 6
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 1 onion (medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles (or any pasta)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup tortilla chips (crushed, for topping)
  • cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  • Sauté Onion and Garlic
    Starting off your Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion and minced garlic. As they sizzle, let the aroma fill your kitchen—there's something magical about those garlic flavors mingling with the sweet, earthy notes of the onion.
    Cooking the onion until it's translucent, about 3-4 minutes, reveals its full potential, packing your dish with onion benefits like antioxidants and vitamins.
    Now, don't rush this part; let the onions soften and sweeten. Remember, this step is key to building a rich foundation for your bake. As you stir occasionally, take a moment to appreciate how those simple ingredients transform. Can you smell it? That's the scent of deliciousness in the making!
    Once the onion and garlic are perfectly sautéed, it's time to add in the ground beef. But first, savor this moment—it's the start of something delicious.
  • Simmer With Spices and Tomatoes
    With the onion and garlic sautéed to perfection, it's time to elevate the flavors by adding your spices and tomatoes. Imagine this: as you stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, and oregano, you'll notice how these spice combinations create a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen. Isn't that a scent you want to bottle up?
    Next, pour in those crushed tomatoes and beef broth, letting everything mingle in a warm embrace. This is where the magic happens! Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes; this helps develop those rich flavor profiles that'll have everyone clamoring for seconds.
    Stir occasionally, and watch as the flavors deepen and dance together, teasing your taste buds with every whiff. Doesn't it feel rewarding to see your dish come to life?
    This step is pivotal—it's where simple ingredients transform into a comforting, hearty sauce that binds everything together. So, savor this moment and enjoy the process. You're not just cooking; you're crafting a warm, inviting meal that brings folks together. Trust me, it's going to be worth the wait!
  • Add Cooked Spaghetti Noodles
    Once the beef mixture has simmered and the flavors have melded beautifully, it's time to introduce the cooked spaghetti noodles. You've cooked them to perfection, right?
    Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine that savory beef mixture with your spaghetti. Whether you stuck with classic spaghetti or tried something adventurous like penne or fusilli, it's all about making this dish your own.
    Gently fold the noodles into the sauce, ensuring every strand is generously coated. This is where the magic happens. Can you picture it? The zesty taco flavors mingling with the pasta, creating a cozy embrace that's simply irresistible.
    If you're feeling a bit wild, consider adding your favorite spaghetti variations—maybe some whole wheat noodles or even gluten-free options.
    The key is to mix everything until it's well blended, so you get a forkful of spaghetti, beef, and sauce in every bite. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you!
    Now, it's time to transfer this delightful combination into a greased baking dish, paving the way for the cheesy goodness that's about to follow. Let's keep going—you're doing great!
  • Mix in Cheese and Chips
    You're not just making dinner; you're crafting a comforting masterpiece that'll warm hearts and bellies alike. So go ahead, mix in that cheese and those chips, and watch your taco spaghetti bake transform into something truly special!
  • Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
    After layering on that delicious cheese and crunchy tortilla chips, it's time to pop your dish into the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and let the magic begin! This is where your baking techniques come into play.
    Baking not only melds those incredible flavors together but also transforms that cheesy goodness into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
    Slide your baking dish into the oven and set a timer for 20-25 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on it—nothing beats the sight of melted cheese that's just starting to brown. As the cheese varieties you chose bubble up, the tortilla chips will turn a beautiful golden hue, adding that irresistible crunch we all crave.
    Can you smell that? It's the aroma of comfort food filling your kitchen!
    Once the timer goes off, give it a few moments to cool before diving in. Trust me, that wait will only heighten the anticipation. You're about to serve a dish that not only looks stunning but tastes divine.
  • Add Cilantro for Garnish

Nutrition

Calories: 647kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 31gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 1094mgPotassium: 677mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1243IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 396mgIron: 4mg
Calories: 647kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword: Best Tex-Mex pasta dishes, Cheesy taco spaghetti bake recipe, Delicious baked pasta with cheese, Easy cheesy baked spaghetti recipes, family-friendly-spaghetti bake ideas, Ground beef spaghetti casserole, Tex-Mex fusion dishes for dinner