TACO SPAGHETTI

Taco Spaghetti image

I came up with this kid-friendly Southwestern recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. -Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
3/4 cup water
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
2/3 cup salsa

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Break spaghetti into thirds; cook according to package directions for al dente., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally., Stir in beans, tomatoes, 1 cup cheese and salsa. Drain spaghetti; add to beef mixture and toss to combine., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole, covered, 55-60 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 927mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 24g protein.