Description
This Nacho Spaghetti recipe combines the bold, zesty flavors of classic nachos with hearty spaghetti for a delicious, family-friendly meal. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices simmers with sautéed onions and garlic, then is mixed with cooked spaghetti and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Topped with sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro, this dish delivers a fun and flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Beef Mixture
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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 Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If desired, stir in the salsa to add extra depth of flavor.
- Combine Spaghetti and Beef: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the seasoned meat sauce.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts and binds the mixture together. Optionally, you can transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake it for a few minutes to melt additional cheese on top.
- Serve and Top: Spoon the nacho spaghetti into serving bowls. Garnish with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, chopped tomatoes, black olives, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro according to your preference.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this cheesy, zesty fusion of nacho and pasta flavors!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to make the dish leaner.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Salsa is optional but adds a nice layer of flavor to the sauce.
- Crushing the tortilla chips fresh before serving ensures they stay crunchy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; topping with fresh tortilla chips just before serving keeps the texture enjoyable.
