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