Tex-Mex Cheesy Spaghetti Bake

Southwestern Baked Spaghetti

Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Description:
Indulge in a deliciously nostalgic Southwestern Baked Spaghetti that brings a touch of school cafeteria comfort to your table. This easy, mouth-watering casserole is reminiscent of the hearty spaghetti served in elementary schools, a dish so good it had everyone excited for lunch on spaghetti days! The blend of Tex-Mex flavors with creamy cheese and seasoned ground beef makes this casserole a delightful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner.

Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Spaghetti, Cheese, Meat, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins, Oven, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spaghetti:
   Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

2. Mix the Milk and Egg:
   In a bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.

3. Combine Spaghetti and Egg Mixture:
   Gently mix the cooked spaghetti with the milk and egg mixture until thoroughly coated.

4. Assemble the Base:
   Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Cook the Meat Mixture:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

6. Season the Meat:
   Return the drained meat to the skillet. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Add Tomato Sauce:
   Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through.

8. Layer the Meat Mixture:
   Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the spaghetti in the casserole dish.

9. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

10. Bake:
    Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Cool Before Serving:
    Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing.

Enjoy this comforting Southwestern Baked Spaghetti, which combines the richness of cheesy, meaty goodness with a flavorful Tex-Mex twist. Perfect for feeding a family or a small gathering, this dish will quickly become a favorite on your weekly dinner rotation. 🍝🧀🌶️