Description
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining classic taco flavors with hearty spaghetti. Ground beef is cooked with onions and taco seasoning, then simmered in salsa and cream to create a rich, cheesy sauce that coats tender spaghetti. Ready in just 20 minutes, this fusion dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 10 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking for 6-7 minutes while crumbling the beef until it is no longer pink and the onions are softened.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef mixture and stir, cooking for 30 seconds to release the flavors. Then pour in the salsa, water, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Melt Cheese and Combine: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, gently folding it into the sauce until fully melted and smooth. Finally, stir in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring it is well coated with the cheesy taco sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- Salsa with medium heat or mild spice works well to balance flavors, but adjust to your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat heavy cream; a substitute with half-and-half can also work.
- Additional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream can be added when serving.
- This dish can be doubled easily for larger families or leftovers.
