Taco Fiesta Spaghetti A Southwestern Comfort Food Classic

Taco Fiesta Spaghetti A Southwestern Comfort Foo

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:6 servings

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:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• 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.
• Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
• 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.
• Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the taco meat sauce and toss to combine.
• Serve immediately, topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and hot sauce, as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550-650

Fat:25-35g

Fiber:5-7g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mexican

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever have one of those nights? You know, when you can't decide between tacos and pasta? Honestly, it's a real struggle.

Well, taco spaghetti is your answer. It's like a party in your mouth, fiesta spaghetti style!

Brief Overview

This Tex-Mex spaghetti dish isn't winning any awards for authenticity. But it’s delicious! It's like someone decided to throw a Southwestern pasta recipes party.

This easy taco spaghetti is a total breeze to make. It will take about 40 minutes, start to finish. This recipe comfortably feeds six people.

Main Benefits

You get all the taco flavors you love but in pasta form. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the ground beef spaghetti .

And it’s super family-friendly. I mean, who doesn't love tacos or pasta? Spaghetti with taco meat is a genius move!

Taco Spaghetti: Let's Get Started

So, what makes this taco spaghetti recipe so special? It's the simplicity! You probably have most ingredients in your cupboard already.

This takes the usual taco pasta bake and adds a bit of extra flavour. The secret is the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.

They add a smoky kick that elevates everything.

The Ground Beef & Veggie Tango

First, you sauté onion, green and red bell peppers, then the ground beef. Don't forget to drain the grease! After that, add spices, tomatoes and a bit of beef broth.

This gives the taco spaghetti base its beautiful flavour. A tip for the vegetarians among us, use a plant-based ground beef substitute for a vegetarian taco spaghetti .

Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Ingredients & Equipment for Taco Fiesta Spaghetti

So, you wanna make this taco spaghetti magic happen, eh? Let's break down exactly what you'll need. This isn't rocket science, promise! Think of it like a Tex Mex spaghetti party in your kitchen.

Main Players in Our Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s the lowdown on ingredients, plain and simple.

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Just the regular stuff.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup (150g). Yellow is best!
• Bell Peppers: 1 green and 1 red , chopped. Roughly 1 cup (150g) each.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). I recommend an 80/20 blend. Or, ya know, use your fave vegetarian substitute.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce / 28g). Low sodium is your friend, trust me.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces / 410g), undrained. Don't drain it!
• Tomato Sauce: 1 can (8 ounces / 225g). Adds that rich tomatoey goodness.
• Green Chilies: 1 can (4 ounces / 115g), chopped and undrained. A lil’ kick!
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml). Veggie broth works if you're going meat-free.
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml). Adds smokiness.
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1ml). For a bit of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, obviously.
• Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g). Any shape works, but spaghetti is classic.
• Water and Salt: For boiling that pasta perfectly!

For the ground beef, aim for a blend that isn't too lean. A little fat adds flavour. If you're going vegetarian, look for a ground beef substitute that browns well.

Seasoning That Southwestern Flair

We're not just tossing stuff in. Let's talk seasoning.

Taco seasoning is the backbone. Smoked paprika and cayenne? Flavour enhancers. Want a sub? A dash of chili powder and cumin does the trick.

Equipment That'll Get the Job Done

You don't need fancy equipment. Just the basics.

Big pot for pasta, skillet for meat, colander to drain pasta. Measuring cups and spoons, knife and cutting board. Simple.

A Dutch oven works great too! A spaghetti with taco meat is super easy!

Ready to dive in and make some delicious easy taco spaghetti ? I know I am! This fiesta spaghetti is calling my name.

It is one of the southwestern pasta recipes I love the most!

Taco Fiesta Spaghetti: A Southwestern Comfort Food Classic

Oh my gosh, you guys, get ready for this! We're making Taco Fiesta Spaghetti , and it's about to rock your world.

It’s the ultimate mashup: taco spaghetti . Think of it as a Tex Mex spaghetti hug in a bowl. I am serious!

Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this at first. Spaghetti and tacos? But trust me, one bite, and you will be hooked! This easy taco spaghetti recipe is a weeknight winner.

Let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First, get everything ready. This is your essential mise en place , darling. Chop one medium yellow onion, one green bell pepper, and one red bell pepper.

Measure out your spices. You know, the usual suspects. Also, shred your cheeses. Having everything prepped is a total time-saver.

Safety first! Keep those knives sharp and your cutting board stable.

Step-by-Step: From Skillet to Spaghetti Heaven

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Al dente is key!
2. Sauté onion and peppers in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft. This should take about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Brown 1 pound ground beef . Drain off any fat. Nobody likes greasy taco spaghetti .
4. Stir in 1 (1 ounce) taco seasoning packet , 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes , 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce , 1 (4 ounce) can green chilies , 1 cup beef broth , 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika , and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper . Simmer for 10- 15 minutes .
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss.

Top with all your faves! Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream...go wild! This recipe easily serves 6 people .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Taco Spaghetti

Want a shortcut? Use pre-shredded cheese. No shame in that game! A common mistake? Overcooking the pasta. Keep it al dente, or your ground beef spaghetti will be a mushy mess.

You can totally make the spaghetti with taco meat sauce a day ahead. Just refrigerate it and reheat when you're ready.

You can even try doing a taco pasta bake with the leftovers.

This Southwestern pasta recipes will be a hit for sure. And if you're feeling adventurous, throw in some black beans or corn.

This simple fiesta spaghetti will be your newest family favorite! Or you can go for vegetarian taco spaghetti , use a good plant based meat!

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Taco Spaghetti

Okay, so you're ready to dive into the world of taco spaghetti ? Brilliant choice! But before you grab your apron, let's go over a few little tidbits that'll make your easy taco spaghetti experience even better.

These tips and tricks come straight from my own kitchen adventures, you know?

Serving Up a Fiesta: Plating and Presentation

Honestly, presentation does matter, even for comfort food. Think about it – you eat with your eyes first! For plating your taco spaghetti , consider a big, family-style bowl right in the center of the table.

It's casual and inviting. Or, for a bit more finesse, plate individual portions and arrange your toppings artfully. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro always adds a pop of colour.

As for sides, you can't go wrong with some cornbread. A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. Want a drink? Iced tea is perfect for fiesta spaghetti .

Storing Your Tex Mex Spaghetti

Got leftovers of this amazing tex mex spaghetti ? Lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for 3 days .

When you are ready to reheat, microwave it, or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. If you are looking to freeze this southwestern pasta recipes , you will need to think about it.

The pasta may get a little soft when thawed. But if you want to, freeze the meat sauce separately from the cooked spaghetti.

Then, combine when reheating.

Variations on Taco Spaghetti

Let's talk tweaks! If you are on a low-carb diet, try spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of regular spaghetti.

You know? I once tried to make vegetarian taco spaghetti using lentils instead of ground beef. It was surprisingly good! Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

Taco Spaghetti: A Quick Nutritional Glance

Alright, let's be real: This isn't exactly a health food. But it's got protein from the beef! Plus, the tomatoes and peppers sneak in some vitamins.

Just keep an eye on the sodium, especially if you're using store-bought taco seasoning.

So there you have it! Taco spaghetti recipe tips and tricks to make this dish your own. Now go forth and create some kitchen magic! I know you will love our ground beef spaghetti .

You've got this!