Description
Mexican-inspired zesty taco spaghetti blends hearty pasta with bold southwestern flavors, creating a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Comfort meets excitement on one plate, promising delicious moments that will satisfy hungry families and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (150 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) black beans
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) corn kernels
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Noodles and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare spaghetti in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender; drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, sautéing chopped onions and bell peppers until translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Introduce ground beef to skillet, breaking meat into fine crumbles and cooking until deep brown and no pink remains.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across meat mixture, creating robust flavor profile; pour tomato sauce and beef broth to create rich, zesty sauce.
- Incorporate black beans and corn kernels, allowing ingredients to meld together during 7-9 minute simmer until sauce thickens and develops deep flavors.
- Gently fold cooked spaghetti into taco-infused sauce, ensuring each pasta strand gets completely coated with spicy, savory mixture.
- Transfer to serving platter, generously crown with sharp cheddar cheese and scatter fresh cilantro leaves for vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Boost protein content by adding black beans or swapping ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and checking tomato sauce salt levels.
- Create gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free spaghetti or replacing pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
- Enhance vegetable intake by increasing bell pepper quantity or adding diced jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg