Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful fusion dish that combines the zest of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti, creating a quick and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, simmered in a savory taco sauce, then tossed with spaghetti and finished with creamy sour cream, melted cheddar, and fresh herbs for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Additional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon. Continue until the beef is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and simmer: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Combine salsa and spaghetti: Pour in the salsa and add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the taco-flavored sauce.
- Mix in sour cream: Lower the heat to low and fold in the sour cream gently until fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mixture in the skillet. Let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat without stirring.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of sour cream to achieve your preferred creaminess level.
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or hot sauce along with the salsa.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
