If you love the hearty comfort of spaghetti paired with the bold, vibrant flavors of a taco night, then this Nacho Spaghetti Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a juicy, seasoned ground beef sauce that’s layered with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then topped with all your favorite nacho fixings like jalapeños, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips. It’s that magical fusion that brings the best of two worlds together into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in this dish. Each one plays a key role in giving you that true nacho spaghetti experience.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta base that soaks up all the delicious flavors beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to brown the meat for a juicy and flavorful start.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option): The hearty protein that brings richness and warmth.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning): The secret to injecting authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create a saucy consistency to cling perfectly to the spaghetti.
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional for added flavor): Adds a little tangy kick and extra seasoning complexity.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, creamy melt.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, gooey cheesiness everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for topping): Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping): Offers a spicy burst if you like heat.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Provides a fresh, zesty crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes: Brings color and juicy brightness.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: Adds a salty and slightly tangy touch.
- Tortilla chips (crushed for topping): The ultimate nacho crunch that ties the dish together.
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): For a pop of herbaceous freshness and aroma.
How to Make Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all the delicious saucy goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic to soften them up and release their incredible aromas.
Step 3: Season the Beef Mixture
Mix in the taco seasoning packet and water, stirring everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens into a rich, flavorful sauce. If you want to amplify the taste, stir in the salsa now to bring a tangy, vibrant depth to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti and Beef
Next, add your perfectly cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together so each strand of pasta is nicely coated in that zesty, savory sauce, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle on the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and gently stir them into the pasta while the skillet remains warm. Watch those cheeses melt into a luscious, gooey blend that clings to the spaghetti. For an extra cheesy finish, you can transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and pop it under the broiler for just a few minutes.
Step 6: Add Your Toppings and Serve
Serve the hot nacho spaghetti in bowls and adorn each serving with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, and crushed tortilla chips. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for that final herbaceous touch that ties it all together.
How to Serve Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings truly transform the dish from simply tasty to next-level deliciousness. Sour cream cools down the heat, jalapeños kick it up a notch, and crunchy crushed tortilla chips bring texture that’s satisfyingly crispy with every bite. Bright green onions and fresh cilantro add freshness and color that make the whole dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides that complement the rich, cheesy, and zesty flavors. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the heaviness, while some guacamole and extra salsa on the side offer more layers of vibrant flavor. For an indulgent treat, warm tortilla chips are perfect companions for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or make a fun family meal, serve the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls. Layer some extra cheese on top and broil them just before serving for that irresistible melted crust. You can also serve it on a large platter topped with all the garnishes for a festive, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Nacho Spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When storing, keep the crushed tortilla chips separate to maintain their crunch. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers almost as good as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by allowing it to cool completely, then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, it’s best to add fresh toppings like jalapeños and tortilla chips only after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Nacho Spaghetti gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it seems thick. For that melty cheese goodness, you can also reheat it briefly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I make the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked beans like black beans or pinto beans. The taco seasoning and all the toppings will still bring that classic nacho flavor profile.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
You can easily make your own taco seasoning with common spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This way, you control the heat level and flavor intensity.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mildly spiced but the heat is customizable. Add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick, or leave out the jalapeños for a gentler flavor that’s kid-friendly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
For sure! Cheddar and mozzarella are classic for meltability and flavor, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some spice, or even a bit of crumbled queso fresco to play up the Mexican-inspired vibe.
How long does it take to make the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe?
This flavorful dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a long prep time.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe when you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and packed with fun, bold flavors. It’s an absolute joy to make and even more fun to eat — the perfect dish to share with family or friends. Give it a try soon and get ready to fall in love with this unique twist on two classic favorites!
Print
Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
Nacho Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful fusion dish combining classic spaghetti with zesty taco-seasoned ground beef and melted cheeses. Topped with fresh veggies, tortilla chips, and optional sour cream, this 25-minute meal delivers a cheesy, spicy twist on traditional pasta that’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional for added flavor)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- Tortilla chips (crushed for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened. For extra flavor, mix in salsa if using.
- Combine Spaghetti and Beef: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the seasoned beef sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt into the pasta mixture. Optionally, top with additional cheese and bake in the oven briefly to melt and brown the cheese if you prefer.
- Serve: Spoon the nacho spaghetti into bowls. Top with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, chopped tomatoes, black olives, crushed tortilla chips, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the cheesy, zesty, and crunchy goodness of this creative pasta dish.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and taco seasoning to control the spice level.
- Crushing the tortilla chips just before serving keeps them crunchy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but tortilla chips may lose crunch.
- Optional baking step for melted and bubbly cheese adds a nice texture contrast.
