Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
If you love the bold, comforting flavors of a classic taco night but also crave the cozy, satisfying feel of pasta, then this Nacho Spaghetti Recipe is your new go-to dish. It brilliantly combines the best of both worlds: tender spaghetti noodles smothered in a cheesy, spicy taco-inspired sauce, layered with melty cheese and crunchy tortilla chips. Every bite bursts with Tex-Mex goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight or serve at casual gatherings. The fusion of flavors and textures will quickly earn this recipe a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Nacho Spaghetti Recipe is in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role. From the hearty ground beef to the zesty Rotel tomatoes, each component adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes the dish sing.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat for a hearty base that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey: Provides savory richness and protein to make the dish filling.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds that signature Tex-Mex spice blend with cumin and chili powder.
- 2/3 cup water: Helps create a flavorful sauce when combined with taco seasoning.
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Brings a little heat and bright acidity.
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce or Velveeta, melted: Creates creamy, cheesy indulgence that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds smooth tanginess and a velvety texture.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Sprinkled on top for melty, golden goodness.
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips: Gives a satisfying crunchy topping with authentic nacho vibes.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: A fresh, sharp contrast in flavor and color.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional): Adds a salty, briny touch if you like a little extra depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall flavor.
How to Make Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by cooking your spaghetti according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, firm but tender. Drain it thoroughly and set it aside. This step is crucial because the noodles will soak up the nacho cheese sauce, and you want them neither mushy nor undercooked.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or turkey until it’s fully cooked, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks for even browning. Once it’s done, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the cooked meat, then pour in 2/3 cup of water. Stir everything well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat is fully flavored. This simmering step infuses the meat with those iconic taco spices that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes, Cheese Sauce, and Sour Cream
Now it’s time to stir in your drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, the melted nacho cheese sauce (or Velveeta), and sour cream. Mix everything thoroughly until you see a smooth, creamy sauce enveloping the meat. This layer of cheesy sauce is the heart of the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe, bringing both richness and a little kick.
Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti and Prepare for Baking
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until every strand is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for baking.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese generously all over the top, then scatter the crushed tortilla chips evenly to add a crunchy texture. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. The baking melds the flavors and crisps up those chips beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Serve Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring brightness and a pop of color to your plate. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a lovely sharpness and crunch, and add sliced black olives if you like an extra hint of briny flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce will deliver some heat and excitement.
Side Dishes
This dish is robust on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides to balance out the richness. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed or roasted veggies, or even a bowl of fresh salsa and guacamole would complement the flavors perfectly. For a Tex-Mex feast, consider serving with refried beans or Mexican rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve this Nacho Spaghetti Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins for personal-sized portions that look charming and invite everyone to dig in. Alternatively, layer it in a cast-iron skillet and bake right there to keep it warm and add rustic appeal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a vibrant finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Nacho Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining that delicious cheesy and taco-flavored goodness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even later, this dish freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the crushed chips might soften, so you could add fresh tortilla chips after reheating for that signature crunch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered loosely in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. To revive the crispy topping, add a few new crushed tortilla chips on top before baking. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the delightful contrasts in texture that make this recipe such a standout.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a leaner alternative to ground beef without sacrificing flavor, especially when paired with taco seasoning and cheese.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. You can always adjust heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer more kick, or omit them for a milder version.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the meat for plant-based ground crumbles or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, and use vegetarian taco seasoning to keep it flavorful.
What can I use if I don’t have nacho cheese sauce?
If nacho cheese sauce isn’t on hand, melted Velveeta works perfectly as a creamy, cheesy alternative. You can also blend shredded cheese with a bit of milk or cream to create a smooth cheese sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop only?
For a quicker version, you can combine all ingredients in an oven-safe skillet and bake it directly without transferring to a dish. Alternatively, you can simmer everything together on the stovetop and serve immediately, though baking helps develop that signature melty, bubbly top.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Nacho Spaghetti Recipe fuses the best of taco night with classic pasta comforts. It’s cheesy, savory, a little crunchy, and utterly satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this dish invites everyone to enjoy a delicious twist that’s both familiar and exciting. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Nacho Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Nacho Spaghetti is a delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, combining classic taco ingredients with comforting pasta. This baked dish features spaghetti tossed in a creamy, cheesy taco sauce with ground beef, then baked until bubbly and topped with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh garnishes. It’s a perfect main course for a family dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce or Velveeta (melted)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the Taco Sauce: Add the taco seasoning packet and 2/3 cup water to the browned meat. Stir well, then let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained Rotel diced tomatoes, melted nacho cheese sauce or Velveeta, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and heated through, ensuring the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly so every noodle is coated with the cheesy taco sauce.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese and crushed tortilla chips over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the top is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the chopped green onions and optional sliced black olives before serving. Enjoy hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat and flavor.
- For a quicker cleanup, use an oven-safe skillet and bake the dish directly in it after tossing the pasta and sauce together.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven, making for a convenient, tasty lunch option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
