Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe blends classic Italian pasta with bold Tex-Mex flavors for a delicious, easy weeknight dinner. Ground beef simmers in a seasoned tomato sauce with corn and black beans, tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Garnished with green onions and fresh cilantro, it’s a comforting fusion dish perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until evenly browned. Drain excess fat if needed to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add frozen corn and drained black beans to the sauce, stirring thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce mixture, stirring well to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh cilantro on top before serving to add freshness and color to the dish.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it excellent for meal prep and leftovers.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies according to your preference.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese or substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
