Description
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of classic tacos with hearty spaghetti pasta. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is simmered with diced tomatoes, salsa, and cheese to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats perfectly cooked spaghetti. This quick and easy stovetop meal is ideal for busy weeknights and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, complete with optional toppings like sour cream and jalapeños for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be mixed later with the sauce.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Salsa: Incorporate the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the salsa into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine with Pasta: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mixing until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Final Melt: Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese on top is melted completely.
- Serve: Serve the taco spaghetti hot, topped with optional sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to make this dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Ensure you drain excess grease from the cooked beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
- This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted with additional veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and texture.
