Looking for a zesty, crowd-pleasing twist on pasta night? Nacho Spaghetti takes everything you love about cheesy, flavor-packed nachos and combines it with the comfort of classic spaghetti for an epic fusion meal that’s impossible to resist! Imagine tender noodles tossed with taco-seasoned beef, savory black beans, sweet corn, melty cheese, and all your favorite nacho toppings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this dish delivers a fiesta of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Nacho Spaghetti so fun and delicious is that every ingredient has a special role to play, from adding bold flavor to creating irresistible texture. You probably have most of these kitchen staples on hand, and together they work magic!
- Spaghetti Pasta (12 ounces): The classic foundation that soaks up all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey (1 pound): Adds hearty protein and a savory bite; turkey is a lighter option if you prefer.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the meat and adds a subtle richness.
- Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 3 tablespoons homemade): Brings instant Tex-Mex flavor—homemade or store-bought works great!
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10-ounce can): Adds tanginess, color, and a gentle kick of heat.
- Black Beans (15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): For fiber, color, and that classic nacho feel.
- Corn Kernels (1 cup; fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet pops of flavor and vibrant color in every forkful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups): Melts beautifully for that gooey, comforting effect.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mellow, it balances out the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Cool and tangy, the perfect finishing touch.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): Fresh, mild flavor and a pop of green.
- Jalapeño (1 small, sliced; optional): For those who crave a little extra heat!
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish; optional): Adds color and a fresh, herby note.
How to Make Nacho Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—this keeps the noodles firm and perfect for tossing with all those bold nacho-inspired flavors. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prep the savory sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep your Nacho Spaghetti from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add the Tex-Mex Flavors
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned meat, then stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This step lets all the flavors mingle, turning your kitchen into a fiesta of mouthwatering aromas!
Step 4: Combine with Spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the savory sauce. Toss well so every noodle gets coated in those vibrant, spicy juices. Now reduce the heat to low and stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, letting it melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every strand.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Transfer your Nacho Spaghetti to a big serving dish or keep it right in the skillet for that rustic, serve-at-the-table vibe. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and watch it melt from the residual heat. Finish with dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeño rounds, and fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips adds the ultimate nacho crunch!
How to Serve Nacho Spaghetti
Garnishes
The toppings are where you can really let your personality shine. Classic choices like sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro bring coolness and color. If you love heat, add jalapeño slices or even a drizzle of hot sauce. For a fun twist, scatter some crushed tortilla chips or even a handful of diced avocado right before serving for extra texture and freshness.
Side Dishes
Nacho Spaghetti is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or a plate of roasted veggies for extra nutrition. If you’re serving a crowd, set out some chips and salsa or guacamole, and you’ve got a full-on Tex-Mex feast!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Nacho Spaghetti to the next level by serving it in individual bowls with a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own creation. For parties, scoop portions into mini ramekins or even taco shells for a playful, hand-held version. Or, bake the finished pasta in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Nacho Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy days! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a true treat.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion out cooled Nacho Spaghetti into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent the pasta from drying out, you can add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Nacho Spaghetti gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the dish and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving to revive that creamy, cheesy magic.
FAQs
Can I make Nacho Spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the ground beef or turkey for plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or even sautéed mushrooms. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian, so you won’t miss any flavor.
What type Main Course
Classic spaghetti is the go-to for Nacho Spaghetti, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to choose a shape that holds onto the saucy, cheesy goodness.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add more jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for an extra kick.
Is Nacho Spaghetti kid-friendly?
Yes! Most kids love cheesy pasta and taco flavors. If you’re worried about heat, just skip the jalapeños and use mild taco seasoning. Serve toppings on the side so everyone can customize to their taste.
How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or even diced carrots to the skillet when cooking the meat. The versatility of Nacho Spaghetti means you can sneak in plenty of nutritious extras!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and just plain fun, Nacho Spaghetti is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and seconds. Give it a try and let your kitchen become the happiest spot in the house tonight!
Print
Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Nacho Spaghetti is a fun and flavorful fusion dish that combines the beloved flavors of Tex-Mex nachos with hearty spaghetti pasta. This recipe features seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a medley of cheeses, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti for a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning & Vegetables
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade mix)
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add seasoning and veggies: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Reduce the heat slightly and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly combine.
- Melt cheese: Lower the heat to low and stir in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy, coating the spaghetti nicely.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the cheesy nacho spaghetti to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, top the dish with crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
- Increase the heat by adding extra chili powder or your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop the next day.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If you want a vegetarian version, replace meat with extra beans and vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
