Description
Nacho Spaghetti is a fun and flavorful twist on classic spaghetti, combining the bold flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Topped with fresh veggies, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and a dollop of sour cream, this dish delivers a deliciously cheesy and zesty meal perfect for casual dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional for added flavor)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- Tortilla chips (crushed for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the beef mixture: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add seasoning and simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. If desired, add salsa for extra flavor and stir to combine.
- Toss spaghetti with beef mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the seasoned sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the pasta and beef mixture, allowing the cheese to melt evenly. Optionally, you can transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with additional cheese, and bake for a few minutes to get a bubbly cheese topping.
- Add toppings and garnish: Serve the nacho spaghetti in bowls and top with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, black olives, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy immediately: Serve the dish right away while it’s warm and cheesy, and enjoy the delicious blend of Mexican-inspired flavors with classic pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner protein option.
- Homemade taco seasoning can be used in place of a store-bought packet to control sodium and spice levels.
- Adding salsa to the beef mixture enhances flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler taste.
- For a crispy topping, try broiling the dish with extra cheese before serving.
- This dish can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
