Have you ever been caught between craving some good old pasta and the zesty kick of a taco night? Well, my dear friends, that’s exactly how this delightful Creamy Salsa Taco Spaghetti Bake came to be. It’s a comforting fusion that satisfies both desires, bringing the cozy warmth of spaghetti together with the bold flavors of a taco. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine with something that’s both familiar and excitingly different. Gather the family around the table with this one – it’s bound to become a new favorite!
To complement this hearty bake, I’d recommend a light green salad tossed with a lime vinaigrette. The crispness will balance out the richness of the bake wonderfully. Or, for those who can never get enough Tex-Mex, serve with a side of Mexican-style rice or refried beans. And don’t forget the crunchy tortilla chips for that essential taco experience!
Creamy Salsa Taco Spaghetti Bake
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
– 8 ounces spaghetti
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Optional toppings: sliced olives, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and extra sour cream for serving
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa to the browned meat and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, infusing those flavors together beautifully.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken or mushroom soup with the sour cream.
6. Combine the cooked spaghetti, meat mixture, and creamy soup mixture and pour into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to get golden brown.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and top with your choice of optional toppings for a custom finish.
Variations & Tips
– For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream soup and sour cream or even swapping out the pasta for spaghetti squash.
– If you have picky eaters who shy away from green stuff, just keep the toppings simple with extra cheese.
– Want to add some veggies into the mix? Stir in chopped bell peppers, onions, or corn with the ground meat.
– Leftovers, if you have any, are fabulous the next day. Just cover and refrigerate, then reheat in the oven or microwave.
– Feel free to experiment with different salsas – from mild to fire-roasted to fruity, each one makes the dish uniquely delicious.
– And a final tip, dear hearts: Involve the family in the topping process! It’s a fantastic way to spend some fun time together and let everyone create their perfect bite.
Enjoy this delightful blend of comfort foods – it’s sure to bring smiles and full bellies to your table!