Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe brings together the bold flavors of a classic taco in a comforting pasta dish. Featuring ground beef seasoned with taco spices, mixed with onions, garlic, salsa, and creamy sour cream, all tossed with spaghetti and topped with cheddar cheese, green onions, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Meat Mixture
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Brown 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 thoroughly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue to cook and stir until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Combine salsa and spaghetti: Add the salsa and cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the spaghetti is fully coated with the flavorful taco sauce.
- Mix in sour cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until it is evenly incorporated, creating a creamy consistency.
- Melt cheddar cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the spaghetti mixture. Let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes while still on low heat.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for freshness and extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of sour cream according to your preferred creaminess level.
- For added heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
