Description

Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the zest of taco seasoning and salsa with traditional spaghetti, creating a quick and comforting meal. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered in taco spices and salsa before being tossed with al dente spaghetti and creamy sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, this recipe offers a delicious and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti

Meat & Veggies

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings & Sauces

1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream

Toppings & Garnish

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 3 minutes.
Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Combine Salsa and Spaghetti: Stir in the salsa and the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing well to coat all the pasta evenly with the seasoned sauce.
Incorporate Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Add the sour cream and stir it gently until fully incorporated and creamy throughout the pasta mixture.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet contents. Let it melt undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until gooey and warm.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

For a spicier kick, use a hot salsa or add a pinch of chili flakes when simmering the sauce.
To lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
If you want a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
You can sprinkle additional cheese or fresh diced tomatoes on top when serving for extra flavor and texture.