Description

Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the zest of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti, creating a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, simmered in a savory taco sauce, then tossed with spaghetti and finished with creamy sour cream, melted cheddar, and fresh herbs for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Sauce

1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream

Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Additional

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon. Continue until the beef is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
Add taco seasoning and simmer: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Combine salsa and spaghetti: Pour in the salsa and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the taco-flavored sauce.
Mix in sour cream: Lower the heat to low and fold in the sour cream gently until fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mixture in the skillet. Let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat without stirring.
Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adjust the amount of sour cream to achieve your preferred creaminess level.
For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or hot sauce along with the salsa.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American