Taco Spaghetti is a fun fusion dish that combines the comforting essence of spaghetti with the bold flavors of tacos. Instead of traditional spaghetti sauce, the noodles are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce packed with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and a mix of Mexican spices. It’s an exciting twist on classic pasta that’s irresistibly delicious!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or turkey, or plant-based crumbles
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil (or butter) and sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey/plant-based crumbles) to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and cream cheese. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
- Remove the skillet from heat and toss the sauce with the cooked spaghetti. Stir in the shredded cheese until the noodles are fully coated and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
NOTES
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes or add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.
- Ground turkey or plant-based protein can be substituted for beef.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it, adding a bit of broth to loosen it up if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
