Name: Taco Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup salsa; 1/2 cup sour cream; 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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A delightful fusion dish that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti, creating a unique and satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Taco Spaghetti recipe brings together two family favorites in one irresistible dish. The familiar comfort of pasta meets the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine, creating a meal that's both exciting and comforting. It's quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and it's versatile enough to please even picky eaters. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every strand of spaghetti, while the seasoned beef adds heartiness and flavor. It's a one-skillet wonder that delivers maximum taste with minimum cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti forms the foundation of this fusion dish, providing a familiar base that absorbs all the wonderful taco flavors. You can use whole wheat spaghetti for a nutritional boost if desired.

Olive oil helps to brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Ground beef provides the protein and hearty texture in this recipe. For a leaner option, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken.

Onion and garlic create an aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile. They add depth and complexity to the sauce.

Taco seasoning infuses the dish with that distinctive Mexican-inspired flavor. You can use store-bought packets for convenience or make your own blend at home for more control over the spice level.

Water helps to activate the taco seasoning and create a sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

Salsa adds tomato richness, acidity, and additional Mexican flavors. Choose mild, medium, or hot varieties depending on your spice preference.

Sour cream creates a creamy, tangy element that balances the spices and adds luxurious texture to the sauce. Greek yogurt can work as a healthier alternative.

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the dish, adding richness and that irresistible stretchy cheese pull. You could also use a Mexican blend cheese or pepper jack for extra heat.

Green onions and cilantro provide fresh, bright notes and a pop of color as garnish. If you're not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley.

Salt and pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.

Directions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the salsa and cooked spaghetti to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until well combined.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Taco Spaghetti recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. The dish comes together quickly with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of approximately 15 minutes, for a total time of 25 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains about 480 calories, providing a satisfying meal that won't break your calorie bank.

Variations

Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or a mix of black beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.

Spicy Taco Spaghetti: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level for spice enthusiasts.

Tex-Mex Taco Spaghetti: Include a can of drained and rinsed black beans and some corn kernels to give it a Tex-Mex twist.

Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Substitute ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for the beef for a lighter flavor profile.

Loaded Taco Spaghetti: Top with additional taco fixings like diced avocado, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free for a celiac-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld together, making for an even more flavorful meal the next day.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers for easy single servings. Allow some headspace as the pasta may expand slightly when frozen.

Reheating from Refrigerated: To reheat refrigerated leftovers, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water to prevent dryness, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little water and stirring occasionally until heated through.

Reheating from Frozen: For best results, thaw frozen Taco Spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods above. If reheating directly from frozen, use a covered dish in the microwave with a splash of water, and heat on 50% power, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.

Revitalizing Leftovers: Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and a dollop of sour cream when reheating to bring back the creamy, fresh texture. Fresh garnishes like green onions or cilantro will also brighten up leftover servings.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Taco Spaghetti in advance. Cook as directed, but consider undercooking the pasta slightly if you plan to reheat it. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Add fresh garnishes just before serving for the best presentation and flavor.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream, providing the same creamy tanginess with added protein and less fat. Mexican crema or cream cheese (thinned with a little milk) can also work in a pinch.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends primarily on your choice of taco seasoning and salsa. Using mild varieties of both will create a family-friendly dish with minimal heat. For spice lovers, choose medium or hot varieties, or add fresh or dried chili peppers to taste.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, any pasta shape will work well. Consider rotini, penne, or farfalle, which all hold the sauce nicely. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To create a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

What sides go well with Taco Spaghetti?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or Mexican street corn. For a complete feast, serve with homemade guacamole and tortilla chips on the side.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, Taco Spaghetti adapts well to the Instant Pot. Brown the meat using the sauté function, add remaining ingredients except pasta, cheese, and garnishes. Add pasta and enough water to cover, cook on high pressure for half the time listed on the pasta package. Quick release, stir in cheese and sour cream, then garnish.

How do I make my own taco seasoning?

For homemade taco seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt, plus ¼ teaspoon black pepper and cayenne pepper (optional). This mixture equals roughly one store-bought packet.

Why is my sauce too watery?

If your sauce seems thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta. The liquid will reduce and concentrate the flavors. Alternatively, you can add a bit more cheese or sour cream to help thicken the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by omitting the sour cream or substituting with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Use dairy-free cheese substitutes or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or simply enhance the dish with extra herbs and spices.

Conclusion

Taco Spaghetti brilliantly bridges two beloved cuisines, creating a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. It's the answer to the eternal dinner dilemma: "Mexican or Italian tonight?" With its creamy, zesty sauce, hearty beef, and familiar pasta base, this fusion creation satisfies multiple cravings at once. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet exciting, it's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—make it spicier, healthier, or loaded with extras based on your family's preferences. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, Taco Spaghetti promises a delicious meal that brings everyone happily to the table.