Taco Spaghetti
Craving both tacos and spaghetti? Why not combine them? This taco spaghetti recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy meal that will quickly become a family favorite. It brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of spaghetti with the zesty, spicy goodness of taco seasoning.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef lean ground beef recommended
- 1 pound Spaghetti
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning or 2-3 tablespoons homemade
- 1 can Tomato Sauce 15-ounce
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5-ounce, undrained
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 Bell Pepper chopped (any color)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
Optional Toppings
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then, add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions. Afterward, drain well and set aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Next, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and minced garlic to the beef mixture. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Now, pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and water. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the taco meat sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the taco spaghetti. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
Use Lean Ground Beef: This helps to avoid excess grease in your dish. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken works well. Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Add more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper to taste. Remember, everyone's taste buds are different, so adjust accordingly. Simmer the Sauce: This step is crucial for developing a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. Get Creative with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own portion.