Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti for a delicious and hearty meal. Ground beef is cooked with onions, taco seasoning, tomatoes, corn, and black beans, then tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, this dish offers a fun Mexican-American twist that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water, then simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a baked variation, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
