Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of classic taco seasoning with hearty spaghetti noodles for a delicious and easy dinner. Ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and a savory taco sauce is tossed with spaghetti, then mixed with sour cream and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, this dish offers a delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Sauce
- 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
Finishing and Garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to be combined later in the skillet.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until it is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Combine salsa and spaghetti: Add the salsa and the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything well to ensure the spaghetti is fully coated with the savory sauce.
- Mix in sour cream: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream until it is evenly incorporated, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Melt cheddar cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Let it melt for 1-2 minutes, either by covering the skillet briefly or allowing residual heat to do so.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the taco spaghetti with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add sliced jalapeños.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving enhances the fresh flavors.
