Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this Creamy Mexican Million Dollar Pasta is a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Layers of taco-seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender spaghetti come together in this ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 taco seasoning packet
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 onion, small-diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 10 ounces enchilada sauce
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounces cooked spaghetti
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and enchilada sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey jack cheese. Add the salt and pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating it evenly.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the meat mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses over the top.
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Bake the Pasta: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the spaghetti al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- For added spice, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired