Who doesn’t love a hearty, cheesy meal? But for those following a keto lifestyle, pasta is often off-limits. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce a delicious, low-carb alternative—Keto Cheesy Taco Spaghetti! This recipe combines the flavors of a Mexican-style taco with a creamy, cheesy twist, using spaghetti squash as the “pasta.” The best part? It’s quick, nutritious, and just as satisfying as the original. Whether you're craving comfort food or looking to shake up taco night, this dish is bound to become a favorite. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti Squash - 1 medium (around 4 cups of squash strands)
- Ground Beef - 1 lb (preferably 80/20 for rich flavor)
- Onion - ½ cup, diced
- Green Bell Pepper - ½ cup, diced
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Taco Seasoning - 2 tbsp (ensure it’s sugar-free and keto-friendly)
- Diced Tomatoes - 1 can (14.5 oz, drained)
- Cream Cheese - 4 oz (for added creaminess)
- Cheddar Cheese - 1 cup, shredded
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
- Cilantro - optional garnish
- Sour Cream - optional, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scoop out the seeds after halving the spaghetti squash lengthwise.
- Brush the inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place face down on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. Once done, let it cool slightly and use a fork to scrape the squash strands into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Put a little oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, around 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the minced garlic for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Break up any large chunks, then drain excess fat.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the beef. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream Cheese:
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the cream cheese, and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
5. Combine with Spaghetti Squash:
- Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet and toss with the beef mixture until everything is well combined.
6. Top with Cheese and Bake:
- Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious, low-carb cheesy taco spaghetti!
Nutritional Information and Macros (per serving)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 25g
- Net Carbs: 7g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Additional Tips
- Tweak the Spice Level: Add extra chili powder or chopped jalapeños for more heat, or reduce the taco seasoning for a milder taste.
- Use Other Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want to lower the fat content.
- Make it Creamier: Swap out cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a protein boost, but adjust for carbs accordingly.
- Storing Leftovers: This dish keeps well for 2-3 days in the fridge, making it great for meal prep!
Common FAQs
Q: Can I use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti squash?
A: Absolutely! Zucchini noodles work as a quick substitute. Just be sure to drain excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Try substituting the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese and vegan shredded cheese.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the spaghetti squash and taco mixture in advance. Store them separately and combine before baking for best results.
Ending
Keto Cheesy Taco Spaghetti combines two amazing comfort foods—tacos and pasta—without breaking your keto goals. I hope you’ll find this recipe as satisfying as I do! It's perfect for weeknight dinners, and you might even find yourself making it a weekly tradition.
Looking for more keto-friendly recipes to try next? Here are five more ideas to keep your taste buds happy:
- Keto Beef Enchilada Casserole
- Keto Chicken Fajita Soup
- Keto Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Keto Cauliflower Taco Bowls
- Keto Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Enjoy and happy cooking!
Posts
