Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, sliced black olives, diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside to be mixed later.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet or frying pan set over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: As the beef finishes browning, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix, corn, black beans, water, and cumin. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and some liquid to evaporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the taco spaghetti. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and any optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, sour cream, sliced black olives, or diced avocado according to your preference.
- Enjoy: Serve the taco spaghetti hot and enjoy this delicious and easy stovetop meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Drain the canned tomatoes and beans well to prevent a watery sauce.
- Adjust taco seasoning and cumin to taste for desired spiciness.
- Optional toppings add flavor and texture—get creative!
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
