Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Casserole: One-Pan Dinner

This taco spaghetti casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food: tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked together until golden and bubbling. The cheese pull alone is worth it. It's a one-dish dinner that's hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.

If you love tacos and you love pasta, this casserole is about to become your new go-to. It combines the bold flavors of taco night—seasoned beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar—with the comfort of a baked spaghetti dish.

Everything comes together in one skillet and one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple to assemble and delivers a creamy, cheesy, and beefy meal that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The method here is built around layering flavors and textures. Browning the ground beef first creates a rich, savory base. Adding taco seasoning to the hot beef releases its aromatics, making the sauce deeply flavorful.

The combination of cream cheese and sour cream adds a tangy, creamy richness that balances the tomato sauce and keeps the pasta moist as it bakes.

Baking the casserole allows the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly crust while the flavors meld together. The spaghetti absorbs the sauce, becoming tender and flavorful throughout.

Resting the casserole after baking helps it set, so each serving holds its shape on the plate—perfect for that dramatic cheese pull when you lift a spoonful.

Notes and substitutions

Use a good-quality taco seasoning, or make your own with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. The cream cheese must be softened to room temperature so it melts smoothly into the beef sauce.

Shredded cheddar cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.

This recipe is flexible: ground turkey or chicken work well, and you can use any long pasta you have on hand. For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, use a mild cheddar and reduce the taco seasoning. The casserole is also great for meal prep—it reheats well and can be frozen.

• ground beef: ground turkey or ground chicken (adjust cooking time to reach 165°F/74°C)
• spaghetti: any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or use gluten-free spaghetti
• taco seasoning: homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano
• cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons