Description
Cheesy Taco Salsa Spaghetti Bake is a flavorful blend of taco meat sauce, tangy salsa, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all baked together and topped with gooey melted cheese and colorful bell peppers. A delicious Tex-Mex twist on a classic pasta dish!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the spaghetti bake:
- 455g (1lb) of extra lean ground beef (mince)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 250g (8.5oz) of uncooked spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 cup (250g) of salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 cup (240ml) of chicken or beef stock
- 6 tablespoons of reduced fat soured cream
- 50g (1.8oz) of mozzarella, grated
- 50g (1.8oz) of cheddar or red leicester, grated
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- For the taco seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon paprika (not smoked)
- 1.5 teaspoon of cumin
- 1.5 teaspoon mild chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust for preferred spice level)
Instructions
- Combine the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Fry until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and stock. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Reserve ⅓ cup (80ml) of pasta water, then drain. Spray the spaghetti with olive oil spray and toss to coat.
- Add the spaghetti to the meat mixture along with the soured cream and reserved pasta water. Mix to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C, 170°C fan, 375°F, or Gas Mark 5.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to an ovenproof dish and top with mozzarella, cheddar, and diced bell peppers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add extra chili powder.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- For added creaminess, increase the amount of reduced fat soured cream.
- Top with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream before serving for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg