Taco and spaghetti nights are two family favourites, but what if you could combine them into one incredible dish? Enter taco spaghetti, a quick and easy recipe that explodes with flavour and is sure to become a new weeknight staple. This cheesy, saucy, and satisfying dish is perfect for busy families and anyone who loves Tex-Mex comfort food.
The Allure of Taco Spaghetti
Taco spaghetti offers the best of both worlds. You get the delicious ground beef, taco seasoning, and vibrant tomatoes from Taco Night, all nestled in a bed of comforting spaghetti noodles. Adding cheese creates a creamy and decadent sauce that ties everything together. It’s a fun and unexpected twist on classic dishes, perfect for picky eaters and adventurous palates.
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It’s also incredibly versatile and customizable. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, add your favourite vegetables, or use different types of cheese.
Taco Spaghetti presented in a table form:
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 40 minutes | Four servings |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Taco Spaghetti Bliss
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delicious batch of taco spaghetti:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One medium onion, diced
- One packet of taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
-
1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green peppers that have not been drained
- One can (15 ounces) black beans, emptied and washed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 12 ounces of uncooked spaghetti
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, salsa, shredded lettuce
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add salt to a big pot as the water starts to boil. Following the advice on the package, add the pasta and boil it until it is al dente. Once the pasta is waterless, set it away.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Mix the cooked beef with the taco seasoning and water until everything is well mixed. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat and stir it a few times during the five minutes. That way, the tastes can grow and mix.
- Build the Flavor: Mix the cooked beef with the taco seasoning and water until everything is well-mixed. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat and stir it a few times during the five minutes. That way, the tastes can grow and mix.
- Incorporate the Goodies: Dice the tomatoes and add them to the sauce along with the green peppers, black beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix everything, then heat it through for a few minutes.
- Unite the Dish: Add the drained spaghetti to the pot with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
- Cheese Nirvana: Remove the pot from the heat and stir the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese. Let the cheese melt, creating a creamy and delicious sauce.
- Serve and Savor: Dish your taco spaghetti and garnish with fresh cilantro. For a personalized touch, offer your favourite toppings like sour cream, avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it Up: Need a boost? A little chilli pepper or hot sauce can be added to the sauce while cooking.
- Veggie Power: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavour and nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or queso fresco.
- Ground Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or lentils instead of ground beef.
- Leftovers: Taco spaghetti reheats well, making it a great lunch option or perfect for meal prepping.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taco Spaghetti:
Q: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Absolutely! To save time, use pre-cooked ground beef and heat it with the taco seasoning and water before adding the other ingredients.
Q: What if I don’t have diced tomatoes with green chillies?
Not a problem! Any can of diced tomatoes (not drained) will work. For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño pepper.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is classic, you can use other long noodles like fettuccine or penne.
How can I make this food without gluten?
Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure your taco seasoning is certified as gluten-free.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish in advance?
Yes! Follow the directions to make the taco spaghetti, but don’t add the cheese at the end. After the dish is fully relaxed, put it in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to
