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Easy Taco Spaghetti photo

Taco Spaghetti

A comforting one-pan mash-up of taco-seasoned beef and spaghetti finished with melty cheese and taco-style toppings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1/2 bell pepper any colour, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2/3 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes with juices fire-roasted if available
  • 1 pack cooked spaghetti 350–400 grams
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro minced
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 jalapeño sliced (or pickled jalapeño)
  • green onions minced, for garnish
  • chilli flakes optional, to taste

Equipment

  • 9-inch ovenproof skillet (cast iron recommended)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring cup
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat the ovenproof 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat, then add the oil.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced bell pepper and sauté 5–6 minutes until the onion is softened and sweet.
  4. Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet and cook, breaking up the meat, until no pink remains.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and half of the salt and pepper; reserve about 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning for later if using the blend.
  6. Add the corn kernels and cook 1–2 minutes to warm them through.
  7. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and simmer until the tomatoes have softened and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes; taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt, pepper, and reserved taco seasoning.
  8. Stir the cooked spaghetti into the skillet so it is evenly coated with the sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven; bake 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes, then garnish with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeño, minced cilantro, minced green onions, and optional chilli flakes before serving.

Notes

  • Use extra-lean ground beef if you prefer less fat.
  • You can use store-bought taco seasoning or the spice mix listed above.
  • Use an ovenproof heavy skillet like cast iron for best results.
  • Cook the onions fully for a sweeter, milder flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente since it will finish in the oven.
  • Adjust spice level with more or fewer chilli flakes to taste.