Description
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish combining classic Italian pasta with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and simmered with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, cheesy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside for later use.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Drain Excess Fat: If necessary, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greaseiness in the dish.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing until the meat is well coated. Then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the taco spaghetti warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
- This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti pasta.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
