Description
Succulent taco spaghetti brings together Mexican and Italian influences in one hearty dish. Spiced ground beef, melted cheese, and bold seasonings combine to create a comforting meal that’s both rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti pasta
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (10 ounces or 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces or 226 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a colander.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then brown ground beef while breaking it into small crumbles, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Eliminate excess fat from the skillet, then introduce taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring to integrate ingredients completely.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles and ensuring seasoning penetrates the meat thoroughly.
- Add the drained spaghetti straight into the skillet and gently toss it through the sauce until all the pasta is coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the skillet and allowing cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
- Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream before serving immediately.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding black beans or shredded chicken as alternative meat options for vegetarians and flexitarian diets.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium taco seasoning and choosing no-salt-added tomato products for heart-healthy meals.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Elevate spice levels by incorporating fresh jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce for those craving extra heat and complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 495 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg