Cheesy Baked Taco Spaghetti: Easy Fall Comfort Food

Looking for a weeknight dinner that brings together the best of tacos and pasta? This Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake combines zesty flavors with creamy goodness, delivering a satisfying meal that's sure to please the whole family.

With a few simple ingredients and easy substitutions, this dish is a quick go-to when you're craving something cheesy and full of flavor.

Yield(s): Serves 6

5m prep time

40m cook time

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried spaghetti
• 1 lb ground turkey or chicken (or lean beef)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• ¾ cup water
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, then mix in the Greek yogurt, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and ½ cup of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Transfer the pasta to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve hot!

Substitutions:

• Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten things up.
• For a tangier flavor, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Add some heat by including chopped jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning.
• Opt for low-fat cream cheese or reduced-fat cheddar to make it a bit healthier.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Enjoy this cheesy taco pasta bake for a comforting and flavorful meal!

https://12tomatoes.com/baked-taco-spaghetti/