Description
This Nacho Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of classic nachos with hearty spaghetti for a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pasta. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is mixed with spaghetti and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then topped with fresh veggies, crushed tortilla chips, and creamy sour cream for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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)
- 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. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the meat and aromatics: While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Add seasoning and simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. For added flavor, stir in salsa at this point if you prefer.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and spices.
- Incorporate cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese so they melt evenly into the pasta mixture. Optionally, you can transfer the dish to an oven-safe pan and bake it for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese further.
- Prepare to serve: Spoon the cheesy nacho spaghetti into serving bowls. Top with sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, black olives, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy immediately: Serve the dish hot for the best melty, cheesy, and zesty experience, perfect for a quick and tasty dinner option.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner version of this dish.
- Adding salsa is optional but enhances the nacho flavor profile.
- Feel free to bake the assembled dish with extra cheese on top for a few minutes if you prefer a bubbly cheese crust.
- This recipe serves 4 to 6, making it great for family meals or leftovers.
- Crushed tortilla chips add a nice crunch, but you can omit if you want a softer texture.
