Description

This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a flavorful, one-pot dish combining the zest of taco seasoning with the comfort of cheesy spaghetti. Ground beef, tomatoes, and two types of cheese create a rich and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together Mexican and American flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups water

Pasta and Cheese

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnishes (Optional)

Chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice), tomato sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Pasta: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy, giving the dish a luscious texture.
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired for an extra fresh and spicy touch. Serve the taco spaghetti immediately while hot.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot diced tomatoes with chilies.
Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.