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Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Taco Spaghetti Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spaghetti takes a delicious Mexican-inspired twist in this zesty Taco Spaghetti dish that merges comfort and spice. Pasta lovers will devour this quick, one-pot meal packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and bold southwestern flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef

Pasta and Base:

  • 2 cups cooked spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) can tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating a warm environment for the upcoming culinary fusion.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains.
  3. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then incorporate taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat evenly.
  4. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente, then drain completely.
  5. Combine the seasoned meat with cooked spaghetti, adding cream cheese and diced tomatoes, mixing until ingredients are well integrated.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
  7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, creating a melty blanket of flavor.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and turns golden around the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and mixture to set.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving for an additional burst of freshness.

Notes

  • Spice it Up: Experiment with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to add a fiery kick to your taco spaghetti.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken work brilliantly as healthier alternatives to beef, keeping the dish light yet satisfying.
  • Cheese Variety: Mix up the cheese game by using Mexican blend or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile and creamy texture.
  • Boost Nutrition: Toss in black beans or corn to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and add extra layers of taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg