Description
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired twist on classic spaghetti. Combining the bold flavors of taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, this easy weeknight dinner brings together tender pasta and savory ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for families and meal prep, it’s quick to make on the stovetop and can be customized with ground turkey, corn, or black beans for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti (use gluten-free spaghetti for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Mix in Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and becomes creamy throughout the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve topped with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, if using.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add corn or black beans to the sauce for additional texture and nutrition.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicy kick.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping.
