Description
Craving fusion flavors? Taco Spaghetti merges tacos and pasta in one dish! Learn 7 simple upgrades—perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti – Use traditional or whole wheat for added fiber.
- 1 lb ground beef – Sub with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – Or DIY with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- 1 cup salsa – Choose mild, medium, or spicy based on preference.
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth – Enhances richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Pepper jack or a Mexican blend work beautifully too.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese – Adds creaminess; can swap with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- 1/2 onion, diced – Optional, but adds texture and savory depth.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
Instructions
Bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside, tossing with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
💡 Pro Tip: Save 1/4 cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
🍳 Optional: Add black beans or corn during this step for a heartier mix.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix thoroughly. Add salsa and water (or broth), stirring to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and combined. This is where the dish transforms into creamy, taco-infused goodness.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover the pan for 2–3 minutes until melted. Garnish as desired.
🌮 Twist It: Add crushed tortilla chips or a drizzle of hot sauce for crunch and heat.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: Taco Spaghetti