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Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion of two classic favorites: tacos and pasta. This hearty and flavorful dish combines ground beef, cheese, salsa, and spaghetti, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any weeknight. Next, let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need to create this easy dinner option.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 1 pound, for a hearty and flavorful base.
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced, to add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz), for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Chicken broth: 2 ½ cups (or substitute with beef broth or water), to cook the pasta and add flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup, for creaminess in the sauce.
- Salsa: 1 cup, any flavor, to add a zesty tomato base.
- Green bell pepper: 1 small, diced, for a fresh, crunchy element.
- Spaghetti: 8 ounces, to serve as the pasta base of the dish.
- Mexican cheese blend: 1 cup, shredded, to melt into the pasta and add a cheesy finish.
- Toppings: As desired, such as sour cream, cilantro, or extra salsa, for a personalized touch.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a 12-inch skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute more to enhance the flavors.
- Step 2:
- Add the chicken broth (or beef broth/water), milk, salsa, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender and cooked through.
- Step 4:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest, uncovered, for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the shredded Mexican cheese blend until melted and fully incorporated. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or salsa if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Taco Spaghetti immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or extra salsa for added flavor. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal experience. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture. This dish can also be prepared ahead of time. Simply cook until just before adding the cheese, cool, and store. Reheat and add the cheese right before serving for a fresh and cheesy finish.Helpful Notes
For a spicier version, use a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños to the dish when cooking the onion. Try using whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if you prefer an alternative to regular pasta. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based meat alternative.Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Rick Bayless suggests adding a splash of lime juice just before serving for a fresh, zesty finish that enhances the taco flavors.
- Chef Aarón Sánchez recommends using freshly grated cheese for a creamier texture and richer taste.
- Chef Pati Jinich advises toasting the spaghetti in the skillet for a minute before adding the liquids for a deeper flavor and firmer texture.