Tex-Mex Spaghetti Bake
Indulge in our Tex-Mex Spaghetti Bake, a delicious twist on the classic spaghetti casserole that will transport your taste buds straight to the Southwest! This comforting dish combines al dente spaghetti with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and zesty spices, all elegantly layered under a blanket of melted cheese. Perfect as a weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd, this recipe brings back nostalgic memories of school lunches—upgraded to satisfy adult cravings. Add a side salad or some tortilla chips, and you've got a meal that will make everyone ask for seconds!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti
8 ounces (uncooked)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Egg
1 (none)
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Green Bell Pepper
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Tomato Sauce
16 ounces (2 (8-ounce cans))
Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
4
In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the milk and egg mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
6
Reduce heat and return the drained meat mixture to the skillet. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Stir in the two cans of tomato sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
8
Spread the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer in the casserole dish.
9
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top, covering the entire dish.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
11
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving to set up, making it easier to slice.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
35
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tex-Mex Spaghetti Bake?
Tex-Mex Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful twist on a traditional spaghetti casserole, featuring ground beef, Southwest spices, and melted cheese.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for this recipe.
How much spaghetti do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti.
What kind of meat is used in this dish?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, which is browned before being added to the casserole.
Why is there an egg in the recipe?
One egg is whisked with milk to coat the spaghetti, helping the bottom layer set so it can be easily sliced.
Which cheeses are recommended for the topping?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What vegetables are included in the meat mixture?
The beef is cooked with one medium onion, one medium green bell pepper, and two minced garlic cloves.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish bakes for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What spices give it the Tex-Mex flavor?
A blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano provides the signature Southwest taste.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 450 calories per serving.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13 inch casserole dish is required.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of tomato sauce, which is typically two 8-ounce cans.
Do I need to let the casserole rest after cooking?
Yes, let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving so it sets properly for easier slicing.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This dish provides 30 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of fat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild spice profile from the chili powder and cumin; you can add jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely, whole wheat spaghetti is a great way to add extra fiber to the dish.
What should I serve with Tex-Mex Spaghetti Bake?
It pairs well with a side salad, tortilla chips, or a scoop of guacamole.
Do I need to drain the meat after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the beef and vegetables for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Pepper Jack or a Mexican cheese blend would also taste delicious on this bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a very popular choice for families and is often compared to a nostalgic school lunch favorite.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't get mushy?
Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly while baking in the oven.
Can I add corn to this recipe?
Yes, adding a cup of corn to the meat and sauce mixture is a popular variation for extra texture.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a casserole, one dish meal, Tex-Mex, and comfort food.
How long should I cook the spices with the meat?
Cook the meat with the spices for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the tomato sauce.