Taco Spaghetti is a delicious, fun twist on traditional spaghetti that brings together the best of both worlds—pasta and tacos! This dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and cheese, all layered together to create a cheesy, savory masterpiece. It’s the perfect dish for a quick family meal, bringing the bold flavors of tacos with the hearty comfort of spaghetti. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your favorite taco toppings.
Equipment:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish (if baking)
- Colander
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Taco Meat:
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 2–3 minutes. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. - Season the Meat:
Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and broth to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the taco meat mixture and stir to combine. You can also transfer the meat and pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish if you prefer to bake it. - Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. If baking, place the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Once the dish is ready, garnish with sour cream, green onions, sliced olives, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve Taco Spaghetti in individual bowls and garnish with extra cheese, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- For a fun twist, serve in taco shell bowls or add a side of tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Pair with a simple side salad or Mexican street corn for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Customize the toppings based on your preference—try adding jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy taco seasoning or add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with a plant-based protein or black beans.
Taco Spaghetti is a creative, family-friendly meal that combines the best of taco night and pasta night into one dish. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can make this hearty meal in no time. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, Taco Spaghetti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish (if baking)
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 4 oz diced green chilies
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives optional
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 2–3 minutes. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Meat:
- Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and broth to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the taco meat mixture and stir to combine. You can also transfer the meat and pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish if you prefer to bake it.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. If baking, place the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the dish is ready, garnish with sour cream, green onions, sliced olives, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
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