Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) (450g) Or Vegetarian Ground Beef Alternative
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (approx. 2 tablespoons) (28g) - Use Low Sodium or make your own for more flavour control!
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (410g)
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (225g)
  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, undrained (115g)
  • 1 cup beef broth (240ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound spaghetti (450g)
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water (15ml)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 2 cups / 200g)
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (approx. 2 cups / 200g)
  • Shredded lettuce (approx. 2 cups / 100g)
  • Diced tomatoes (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • Sliced black olives (approx. 1/2 cup / 75g)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Hot sauce

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, beef broth, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the taco meat sauce and toss to combine.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and hot sauce, as desired.