Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a fun twist on classic spaghetti, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend gathering. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly healthy, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win! This recipe is one of the best recipes for a satisfying and easy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce
Instructions:
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Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), black beans, Rotel, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine and serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the taco sauce. Stir in most of the cheddar cheese, reserving some for topping. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and extra cheese.
Cooking Tips for the Best Taco Spaghetti:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and chorizo.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking. Start with less and add more if needed.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: Substitute the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
- Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
- Spicy Taco Spaghetti: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This easy recipe makes for a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a delicious and healthy meal the entire family is sure to enjoy. This homemade cooking masterpiece is also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Enjoy!