Baked Tex-Mex Spaghetti

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, brown ground turkey or beef in a large skillet over medium heat. When meat is almost cooked through, add the onion and saute until tender and meat is cooked through.

Step 2

Remove meat from the skillet and set aside. To the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until a paste forms and cook for 2 minutes, whisking frequently. Slowly whisk in the milk until thickened. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

Step 3

Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thick and creamy. Stir in the meat mixture, grated Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the Pepper Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder and salt. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and sauce mixture and stir until all pasta is evenly coated with sauce.

Step 4

Pour into prepared casserole dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top with remaining Pepper Jack cheese and return to oven, uncovered, for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand a few minutes before serving, then slice and garnish with desired toppings (olives, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions).