Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful fusion dish combining classic Mexican taco flavors with hearty spaghetti pasta. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is simmered in a savory salsa sauce, then mixed with cooked spaghetti and creamy sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, and cilantro, this easy skillet meal serves 4 and comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 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 Touches
- 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, then drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion softens, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and water: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning along with 1/2 cup of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Mix in salsa and spaghetti: Add the salsa and the drained spaghetti to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the taco meat sauce.
- Incorporate sour cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream to add a creamy texture and balance the spicy flavors.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt for 1-2 minutes while the skillet remains on low heat.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, then serve immediately for a delicious taco-inspired pasta meal.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy taco seasoning depending on your preferred heat level.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for additional vegetables and texture.
- If you prefer, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave within 2 days.
