Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti

8 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 envelope taco seasoning
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 can black beans

    rinsed and drained, 15 ounces

  • 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles

    undrained, 10 ounces

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

    divided

  • 2/3 cup salsa

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Break spaghetti into thirds; cook according to package directions for al dente.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  3. 3

    Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese and salsa. Drain spaghetti; add to beef mixture and toss to combine.

  4. 4

    Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole, covered, 55-60 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti

8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving the zesty flavors of tacos but in a comforting pasta dish? This Taco Spaghetti recipe offers a delicious twist on two family favorites, delivering a satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

This recipe cleverly combines savory ground beef seasoned with classic taco spices, hearty black beans, and vibrant diced tomatoes with green chiles. All these robust elements are tossed with spaghetti and generously coated in a melty Mexican cheese blend and salsa, creating a harmonious blend of textures and bold, familiar flavors in every bite.

You'll be delighted by the rich, savory beef, seasoned perfectly with taco spices, complemented by the creamy texture of black beans and a gentle kick from the diced tomatoes and green chiles. The spaghetti acts as a fantastic vehicle for all these robust flavors. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of cheesy comfort and taco zest, making it a naturally hearty and flavorful dish that feeds a crowd with its eight generous servings.

Customization & Variations

  • Protein Swap: Easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, consider using a plant-based ground crumble.
  • Vegetable Boost: Stir in canned corn, diced bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach with the beef mixture to add more vegetables.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild or hot taco seasoning. For extra kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Cheese Choice: While a Mexican cheese blend is specified, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a colby jack blend would also work beautifully.

Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry family, this dish is a complete meal on its own. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, extra salsa, or chopped fresh cilantro for an added fresh touch.

Frequently Asked Questions