Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion dish that combines the bold, zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting, saucy goodness of spaghetti. This one-pot wonder is packed with ground beef, taco seasoning, and gooey cheese, making it an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

If you’re looking to spice up your pasta game, this dish is absolutely to die for!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Medium pot (if cooking pasta separately)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• Optional toppings: diced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños

Directions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
   • Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce:
   • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Stir in the broken spaghetti. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add Cheese:
   • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with your favorite toppings like green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot!

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

Calories: ~450

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 800mg

Expert Tips

• For extra spice, use hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cook the spaghetti separately if you prefer a less saucy consistency.

FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish and reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short pasta like penne or rotini works well too. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of oregano as a substitute.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
• Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for an ultra-cheesy version.

Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion dish that combines the bold, zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting, saucy goodness of spaghetti.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• - 1 lb ground beef
• - 1 medium onion diced
• - 3 cloves garlic minced
• - 1 1 oz packet taco seasoning
• - 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• - 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
• - 2 cups beef broth or water
• - 8 oz spaghetti broken in half
• - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
• - Optional toppings: diced green onions chopped cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños

Equipment

• - Large skillet or Dutch oven
• - Wooden spoon or spatula
• - Medium pot (if cooking pasta separately)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Colander

Method

 

1. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
2. - Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. **Add Garlic and Seasoning:**
4. - Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. **Build the Sauce:**
6. - Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
7. **Cook the Pasta:**
8. - Stir in the broken spaghetti. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
9. **Add Cheese:**
10. - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
11. **Serve:**
12. - Garnish with your favorite toppings like green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot!