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Mix taco night with pasta night and you'll get this mouthwatering taco spaghetti dish. It brings together the zesty kick of tacos with the comforting goodness of pasta. Every strand gets wrapped in a rich, cheesy mixture while seasoned beef makes each forkful incredibly satisfying.
I whipped up this combo meal when my cupboards were almost bare and friends were coming over. It was such a success that my family now asks for it at every get-together. My nephew, who used to run from anything with Mexican seasonings but loves pasta, can't get enough of it now.
What You'll Need
- Spaghetti Noodles: Forms a sturdy foundation that catches all the delicious sauce
- Ground Beef: Delivers meaty goodness that works wonderfully with the taco flavors
- Yellow Onion and Bell Pepper: Build a tasty flavor base
- Olive Oil: Gets veggies and meat nicely browned for deeper taste
- Taco Seasoning: One packet gives you authentic south-of-the-border taste without juggling different spices
- Tomatoes with Green Chilis: Adds tang, freshness and mild spiciness
- Sour Cream: Makes everything deliciously smooth and balances the heat
- Beef Broth: Helps create the perfect sauce thickness to coat every noodle
- Mexican Blend Cheese: Creates that wonderful melty, stretchy texture everyone craves
Cooking Instructions
- Cook Your Pasta:
- Fill a big pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Drop in spaghetti and cook until tender but still firm, about 8-10 minutes. Try a piece before draining since mushy pasta will ruin the final dish.
- Cook Veggies First:
- Pour olive oil into a large, deep pan and heat it until it shimmers. Toss in your chopped onions and peppers, cooking them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and turn slightly clear. These veggies will give your dish its flavor foundation.
- Cook the Meat:
- Add your ground beef to the softened veggies, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until you don't see any pink spots, around 7-8 minutes. Pour off any fat to keep your dish from getting greasy.
- Mix Up Your Sauce:
- Put the drained meat back in the pan and sprinkle taco seasoning all over, mixing well. Add your tomatoes with green chilis (don't drain them), beef broth, sour cream, and cheese. Stir constantly while the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Let everything bubble gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- Put It All Together:
- Add your drained pasta straight into the meat sauce. Use tongs to carefully mix everything, making sure all the pasta gets coated with the creamy taco sauce. Let it sit for 2 minutes before serving so the pasta can soak up some of the yummy sauce.
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The game-changer in this dish comes from not draining the tomatoes with green chilies. I found this out by mistake one night when I forgot to drain the can, and that extra juice created an amazing flavor base. My husband said it beat anything from our favorite Mexican spot.
Prep Ahead Ideas
This taco spaghetti actually gets tastier as it sits and the flavors mix together. You can cook it up to two days before you need it and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. When you warm it up, splash in some beef broth or water since the pasta soaks up liquid while stored. If you want to save it longer, put portions in freezer containers for up to three months. Just thaw in your fridge overnight before warming it up.
Ways to Switch It Up
Feel free to make this dish your own. Want more heat? Throw in some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Don't eat meat? Plant-based ground and veggie broth work great too. Looking for something lighter? Try ground turkey or chicken with light sour cream instead. You can play with the cheese as well—sharp cheddar gives more zip while pepper jack adds extra spiciness.
What to Serve With It
Pair this filling taco spaghetti with a basic green salad tossed in lime dressing for a complete meal. Create a topping station with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, chopped tomatoes, and extra sour cream so everyone can fix their bowl just right. Warm corn tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips work great for scooping up any sauce left on your plate.
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This meal will soon become a family favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions. Dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What are some other pasta options?
You’re not stuck with spaghetti—try penne, fettuccine, or even a gluten-free version to suit your needs.
- → How do I add extra spice?
Spice it up with jalapeño slices, chili flakes, or spicier taco seasoning blends.
- → Can I use already cooked ground beef?
Sure! Just warm it up with the veggies and seasoning before mixing everything together.
- → What toppings should I try?
Add fresh cilantro, creamy avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or a spoonful of sour cream for finishing touches.
- → Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the meat sauce ahead, keep it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready to toss it with fresh pasta.
- → What cheese could replace Mexican blend?
Swap Mexican blend cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both for a personalized twist.