Description

Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish combining classic Italian pasta with bold Mexican flavors. Ground beef cooked with taco seasoning is mixed with spaghetti and salsa, then creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese add a rich finish. Garnished with fresh green onions and cilantro, this quick and easy recipe serves as a flavorful weeknight dinner perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces spaghetti

Meat and Vegetables

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

Seasonings and Sauces

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

Cheese and Garnish

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 Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 3 minutes.
Add Taco Seasoning and Water: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Salsa and Spaghetti: Add 1 cup of salsa along with the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
Incorporate Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sour cream thoroughly to add a creamy texture to the dish.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta mixture and allow it to melt for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Notes

Use full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture; low-fat versions may alter the richness.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra vegetable nutrition and color.
Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot salsa.
To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free spaghetti.

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