Taco Spaghetti

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Here’s a fun and flavorful recipe for Taco Spaghetti, a fusion of two favorite cuisines—Mexican and Italian! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the taco flavors you love, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Taco Mixture:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest, and set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Add Onion and Seasoning
    • Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is well-coated.
  4. Build the Sauce
    • Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
    • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Add Cheese and Finish
    • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
  7. Serve
    • Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

  • Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a variation.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for added heat.

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