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
Scale
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
