Delicious Baked Southwestern Spaghetti: An Easy Tex-Mex Casserole for Weeknights

Tired of the same old spaghetti dinner? It’s time to infuse some vibrant Tex-Mex flair into your traditional baked spaghetti! This recipe transforms a classic comfort food into an exciting new family favorite, brimming with bold flavors like zesty green chilies, savory black olives, and a rich, cheesy topping. Forget bland weeknight meals; this Southwestern Baked Spaghetti is an innovative and incredibly satisfying way to add a twist to your pasta routine.

Imagine tender spaghetti noodles mingling with a robust ground beef sauce, enhanced by the kick of diced green chilies, the earthy notes of black olives, and a blend of diced tomatoes. All of this is baked to perfection under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese, creating a bubbly, irresistible casserole. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that promises a hearty, flavorful meal, perfect for busy evenings or a casual gathering with friends and family. Get ready to elevate your pasta game and bring the taste of the Southwest to your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Tex-Mex Spaghetti Bake

This Baked Southwestern Spaghetti isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Family-Friendly Flavor: It takes the universally loved concept of spaghetti and elevates it with exciting, yet approachable, Tex-Mex spices and ingredients. Even picky eaters will be surprised and delighted!
• Easy Weeknight Meal: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Toppings: The fun doesn’t stop when it comes out of the oven! Guests and family members can personalize their servings with an array of fresh toppings, making every plate unique.
• Great for Meal Prep: This casserole holds up beautifully as leftovers, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day!
• Comfort Food with a Twist: It offers the comforting warmth of baked pasta combined with the vibrant, zesty flavors of Southwestern cuisine, giving you the best of both worlds.

Recipe

Baked Southwestern Spaghetti

5 from 1 vote

Change up your baked spaghetti by giving it a Tex-Mex flavor with green chilies, black olives, and more.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 10 servings

Calories 490

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 26 ounces jar spaghetti sauce
• 4 ounces can diced green chilies, chopped
• 2.25 ounces can sliced black olives, drained
• 10 ounces can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Toppings as desired, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, hot peppers, etc.
• Non-stick cooking spray

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
• While spaghetti is cooking, brown ground beef. When almost done, add onion and cook until onion is tender.
• Drain beef and onion mixture and add remaining ingredients except cheese and toppings. Mix thoroughly and cook over medium heat until heated through.
• When spaghetti is ready, drain and mix with meat mixture.
• Pour into a 9″x13″ pan prepared with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes.
• Serve with toppings of your choice.

Notes

If you have cooked ground beef and cooked onion in the freezer, skip the steps for cooking those and just thaw and heat.

Toppings not included in nutritional data.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 490 calCarbohydrates: 52 gProtein: 34 gFat: 16 gSodium: 893 mgFiber: 5 gSugar: 8 gNet Carbohydrates: 47 g

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Key Ingredients for Your Southwestern Spaghetti

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the unique Tex-Mex flavor profile. Here’s a closer look:

• Spaghetti: The traditional pasta provides the perfect vehicle for the rich, savory sauce. Its long, thin strands absorb the flavors beautifully and create a satisfying texture in every bite.
• Ground Beef: A versatile and hearty protein that forms the base of our robust meat sauce. When browned and mixed with the other ingredients, it adds depth and substance to the casserole.
• Large Onion: Chopped and cooked until tender, the onion provides a foundational aromatic sweetness that complements the savory beef and spices.
• Jar Spaghetti Sauce: This ingredient offers a convenient and flavorful shortcut, providing a rich tomato base that ties all the Tex-Mex elements together without needing to simmer a sauce from scratch.
• Diced Green Chilies: These are the star of the show for that authentic Southwestern kick! They impart a mild to moderate heat and a distinctive smoky flavor that sets this dish apart from regular baked spaghetti.
• Sliced Black Olives: Drained and mixed into the sauce, black olives contribute a salty, briny flavor and a pleasing textural contrast, adding another layer of complexity to the dish.
• Can Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (like Rotel): This blend, often referred to by the popular brand name Rotel, intensifies the Tex-Mex profile with more diced tomatoes for juiciness and extra green chilies for an additional spicy punch. Draining them before adding helps control the liquid in the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese on top melts into a golden, gooey crust, adding a creamy, savory finish that perfectly balances the spicy and acidic notes of the sauce.
• Toppings as Desired: While not directly in the bake, fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or even hot peppers are essential for serving, adding freshness, texture, and a cool contrast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Southwestern Spaghetti

While the recipe card above provides a concise list, let’s walk through each step to ensure your Baked Southwestern Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time. Following these detailed instructions will guarantee a delicious and memorable meal.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to come to the correct temperature while you prepare the other components of the dish, ensuring even baking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. Do not overcook, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is almost fully cooked and no longer pink, add the chopped large onion. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine the Sauce Mixture: Drain any excess grease from the beef and onion mixture. This step is important to prevent the casserole from becoming oily. Stir in the jar spaghetti sauce, the drained diced green chilies, the drained sliced black olives, and the drained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and heat through completely.
5. Mix Pasta and Meat Sauce: Once your spaghetti is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the heated meat sauce mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand of spaghetti is coated in the flavorful Tex-Mex sauce.
6. Assemble and Bake: Lightly spray a 9″x13″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Evenly pour the spaghetti and meat mixture into the prepared pan. This large surface area helps the casserole bake evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the spaghetti mixture, covering it from edge to edge.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Serve Hot: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and prevent the spaghetti from falling apart too easily. Serve warm with an assortment of your desired fresh toppings.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Southwestern Spaghetti

Achieving a show-stopping Baked Southwestern Spaghetti is easy with a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente spaghetti, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures a pleasant texture.
• Proper Draining is Key: Make sure to thoroughly drain both the ground beef mixture and the canned ingredients (green chilies, diced tomatoes & green chilies) to avoid a watery casserole. Excess liquid can make the final dish soggy.
• Seasoning is Your Friend: Taste your meat sauce before mixing it with the spaghetti. Adjust seasonings like salt, black pepper, or a pinch of chili powder or cumin if you feel it needs more depth.
• Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is recommended for its robust flavor and excellent melt, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Tex-Mex blend for a different cheesy experience.
• Make Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance! Just cover and refrigerate the unbaked dish, then add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
• Using Pre-Cooked Ingredients: As mentioned in the recipe card, if you have cooked ground beef and sautéed onions already in your freezer, this recipe becomes even quicker! Simply thaw and heat them before combining with the other sauce ingredients. This is a fantastic time-saver for busy cooks.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this Baked Southwestern Spaghetti is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Protein Swaps: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or add more beans and corn.
• Pasta Alternatives: While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti for a different bite. Even egg noodles would work in a pinch.
• Spice Level: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture, or top with sliced jalapeños. For a milder version, opt for a less spicy spaghetti sauce and use mild green chilies.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating more vegetables. Sautéed bell peppers, corn kernels, or black beans would be delicious additions to the meat sauce.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack for extra kick, or a pre-packaged Mexican cheese blend instead of just cheddar.

What to Serve with Your Tex-Mex Spaghetti

To complete your Southwestern feast, consider pairing this baked spaghetti with these delicious sides:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a cilantro-lime dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Garlic Bread or Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up any extra sauce, garlic bread or warm tortilla chips make excellent companions.
• Corn on the Cob or Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of corn on the cob, black bean and corn salsa, or roasted zucchini and bell peppers can round out the meal beautifully.
• Extra Toppings Bar: Set out bowls of extra shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, your favorite salsa, and sliced avocado for a build-your-own topping experience.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Baked Southwestern Spaghetti makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze individual portions or the entire baked casserole (before or after baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat individual portions, use the microwave until heated through. For larger portions or a full casserole, cover with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through, usually 20-30 minutes for individual, or 45-60 minutes for a full casserole, removing foil for the last 10 minutes if you like a crispier top.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Southwestern Spaghetti

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for starting with a cold dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spiciness level is generally mild to moderate, depending on the brand of green chilies and diced tomatoes & green chilies you use. If you prefer more heat, you can add extra green chilies, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or serve with hot sauce or sliced jalapeños. For less heat, ensure you use mild chilies.

What kind of spaghetti sauce should I use?

Any jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce will work well as the base. Choose your favorite brand. The Tex-Mex flavors from the chilies and tomatoes will blend beautifully with most standard red sauces.

Can I use fresh chilies instead of canned?

Certainly! If using fresh poblano or jalapeño peppers, roast them, peel, and dice them before adding. This will give a fresher, potentially more intense flavor. Just be sure to wear gloves when handling hot peppers!

This Baked Southwestern Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings a lively, zesty twist to your dinner table. Simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to adapt to any palate, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to embark on a delicious culinary journey to the Southwest!

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