Description
Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti, creating an easy, cheesy family dinner that is perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz / 226g) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (1 oz / 28g) packet Taco Seasoning
- 1 cup (240ml) Beef Broth
- 4 oz (113g) Cream Cheese, softened & cubed
- 8 oz (226g) Spaghetti
- 2 cups (8 oz / 226g) Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; brown until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat. Reduce heat to medium, add yellow onion and optional bell pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add cream cheese; stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain spaghetti thoroughly.
- Add drained spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with garnishes.
Notes
Taco Spaghetti is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Taco Spaghetti, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe, Comfort Food, One Pot Meal