Description
This comforting taco spaghetti is a quick and flavorful 30-minute meal that combines the zest of taco seasoning with hearty spaghetti, ground beef, and a delicious blend of toppings like cheese, olives, and cilantro. Perfect for a family dinner or casual weeknight meal, it delivers classic taco flavors in a simple pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
Meat & Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (approximately 1 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions to the ground beef in the skillet and cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Sauces: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, diced tomatoes with their juice, and taco sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Spaghetti and Taco Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the taco beef mixture and toss gently to combine all components thoroughly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped cilantro over the top of the pasta and taco mixture.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the taco spaghetti hot, allowing the cheese to melt slightly for a comforting and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Use your favorite cheese blend for the topping, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese mix.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the taco mixture.
- Black olives can be substituted or omitted if preferred.
- If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
