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
Scale
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
