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Easy How to Make Taco Spaghetti photo

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

A zesty, family-friendly one-pot-inspired taco spaghetti combining seasoned meat, tomatoes, cheese, and pasta for a quick weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced (or substitute 1 tsp onion powder)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (or substitute 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 14.5 oz cans fire roasted diced tomatoes with liquid (total 29 oz)
  • 1 14 oz can mild diced green chiles
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
  • 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese (may substitute sharp cheddar)
  • crushed tortilla chips for topping
  • more to taste cheese for serving
  • diced tomatoes for serving
  • diced avocados for serving
  • chopped cilantro for serving
  • sour cream for serving

Equipment

  • large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • large Dutch oven or deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions; drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through and the onions are tender.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Pour in 1 cup water and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with liquid), canned diced green chiles, and beef bouillon; stir to combine.
  6. Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Monterey Jack a handful at a time until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated; adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne to taste.
  9. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips, extra cheese, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream as desired.

Notes

  • Let the sauce cool before refrigerating.
  • The sauce (without pasta) freezes well.
  • Use onion or garlic powder if fresh ingredients are unavailable.
  • Adjust cayenne to control heat.
  • Swap proteins for a vegetarian version as suggested in the post.