Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish that combines the hearty, comforting flavors of Italian pasta with the bold, zesty spices of Mexican cuisine. This one-pot meal is both convenient and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Bell Peppers, Ground Meat, Spaghetti, Tomatoes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 486kcal
Ingredients
8ozSpaghetti
1lbGround beef
1packetTaco seasoning
1can15 oz Tomato sauce
1can10 oz Diced tomatoes
1small Oniondiced
1Bell pepperdiced
2cupsShredded cheese
1tablespoonOlive oil
2cupsWater
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta separately ensures it doesn’t overcook when added to the sauce. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Combine and Add Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until the pasta is fully coated. Lower the heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes. For extra cheesiness, stir some cheese directly into the pasta.
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream. For an added crunch, top with crushed tortilla chips or strips. Enjoy immediately while the cheese is still gooey!