Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful fusion dish combining classic Italian pasta with bold Tex-Mex flavors. This easy weeknight dinner features spaghetti tossed in a savory ground beef and tomato sauce seasoned with taco spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 & Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped cilantro (optional)
- sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well to coat the meat evenly. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine with the meat sauce.
- Melt cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit off heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Spoon the taco spaghetti onto plates or bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, substitute hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
