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Easy Baked Tex-Mex Spaghetti photo

Baked Tex-Mex Spaghetti

A creamy, cheesy Tex‑Mex spaghetti casserole with seasoned ground meat and tomatoes baked until bubbly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 7 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 0.75 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 16 ounces tomato sauce 2 (8-ounce) cans
  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles 1 can, undrained
  • 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese 1 package
  • 8 ounces grated pepper Jack cheese 1 package
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces angel hair pasta about 1 box

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the angel hair pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground turkey or beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When the meat is nearly done, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is tender and the meat is cooked through; remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking frequently to form a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
  6. Add the tomato sauce and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid), and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and creamy.
  7. Stir the cooked meat and onions into the sauce, then add the cheddar cheese, about 1 cup of the pepper Jack cheese, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and salt; mix until the cheeses begin to melt and everything is combined.
  8. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
  9. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil, top with the remaining pepper Jack cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before slicing and serving; garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Use either ground turkey or beef as listed; do not substitute other proteins.
  • Cook pasta to al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
  • Shred cheeses if not pre-grated to ensure even melting.
  • Mix well so the pasta is fully coated with sauce before baking.