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Taco Spaghetti Skillet

This Taco Spaghetti Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal, merging the zesty spices of tacos with hearty spaghetti. Lean ground turkey is cooked with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and water, then simmered with dry spaghetti until tender. Finished with reduced-fat sour cream, it offers a creamy, satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 people
Calories 1839.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet A deep skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for simmering spaghetti.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula For browning turkey and stirring spaghetti.
  • 1 Liquid Measuring Cup For accurate water measurement.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1 package 1.5 oz each mild taco seasoning mix
  • 1 can 10 oz each diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
  • 2-1/2 cups water
  • 8 ounces dry Pot-Sized™ Spaghetti uncooked
  • 6 tablespoons reduced fat sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles, until fully cooked through and no pink remains.
  • If necessary, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet, though lean turkey might not produce much.
  • Stir in the mild taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes & green chilies (undrained), and water into the skillet with the cooked turkey. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the dry Pot-Sized™ Spaghetti directly to the simmering liquid, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Once the spaghetti is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Stir in the reduced fat sour cream until well combined and creamy. Do not return to heat after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
  • Let the skillet stand for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, or diced avocado for added flavor and texture.

Notes

To prevent a bland dish, ensure the ground turkey is properly browned, creating flavorful fond at the bottom of the skillet. Deglaze with a splash of water or broth before adding the canned tomatoes and water to incorporate these caramelized bits. For optimal texture, avoid overcooking the spaghetti; it should be al dente, as it will continue to absorb liquid. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. When adding sour cream, remove the skillet from heat first to prevent it from curdling, then stir it in until just combined. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or diced avocado for enhanced flavor and presentation.