Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a flavorful fusion of classic Mexican taco ingredients and Italian pasta, making for a deliciously easy and hearty weeknight meal. Ground beef cooked with taco seasoning, onions, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and black beans is combined with spaghetti noodles and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, it’s a crowd-pleasing main course that’s perfect for families and taco lovers looking for a fun twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Brown Meat and Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water, then simmer the mixture for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Mix in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn kernels, and black beans. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors further.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine with the taco beef mixture.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish can be adapted into a baked casserole by layering the mixture in a casserole dish, topping with cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden.
