Description
Hearty Mexican-Italian fusion “Spiced Taco Spaghetti” blends zesty taco seasonings with classic pasta comfort. Cheesy, spicy, and quick to prepare, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Sauces and Cheese:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, crumbling and browning the meat completely while eliminating any excess grease.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, stirring to ensure even distribution and intense flavor infusion.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and recommended water, stirring to create a robust, unified sauce.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 10-12 minutes, concentrating flavors and developing a rich consistency.
- Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the meat sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated.
- Transition skillet from heat and generously top with shredded cheddar cheese, letting residual warmth slightly melt the cheese.
- Scatter black olives and corn across the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, providing a vibrant, herbaceous note before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier for calorie-conscious eaters.
- Replace traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for increased nutrition and vibrant color in the dish.
- Consider using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 453 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg