If you’re craving a delicious twist on classic pasta that packs all the bold flavors of a taco night, you’re in for a treat with this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Combining the comforting texture of spaghetti with the zesty, savory goodness of taco-seasoned beef and melted cheddar cheese, this dish effortlessly brings together two favorites in one, unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you want something easy, cheesy, and satisfying without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, readily available ingredients is the secret behind this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s the hearty ground beef for protein, the diced tomatoes with green chilies for a subtle kick, or the cheddar cheese that adds rich, melty goodness.
- 8 oz spaghetti: Cooked al dente to provide a perfect base for the savory sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and bringing out its flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein-packed heart of this dish with a hearty texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, fragrant layer of flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade): Infuses the dish with classic taco spices.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps blend the seasoning into a flavorful sauce.
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel): Offers a mild heat and bright acidity.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): Provide fresh herbal notes and extra heat if you like.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling the spaghetti according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This texture ensures the noodles hold up well when mixed with the saucy beef mixture later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned. Browning the meat well creates layers of deep flavor that make the whole dish pop.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds more to release its fragrance without burning. If there’s excess fat, drain it out to keep the sauce balanced.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Liquids
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and pour in the half cup of water. Stir everything well until the meat is fully coated with the spices. Then, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the tomato sauce. Let this flavorful mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Now it’s time to toss in the cooked spaghetti, mixing everything so the noodles are completely covered with that rich, tasty sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give the dish a final taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Then, it’s ready to plate and enjoy!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños on top, especially if you enjoy a little extra heat and brightness. These garnishes make each bite both visually appealing and flavor-packed.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of warm tortilla chips and salsa. A scoop of guacamole or sour cream also makes a delightful cooling counterpart to the spicy tacos flavors blended in the spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive meal, serve the Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top. Or try layering the spaghetti in a casserole dish and baking it with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. The Taco Spaghetti Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its flavors and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To keep the cheesy sauce creamy, add a splash of water or broth as needed while reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in the Taco Spaghetti Recipe for a leaner, lighter alternative while still capturing all the delicious taco flavors.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but you can easily adjust spiciness by using hot diced tomatoes, adding jalapeños, or sprinkling crushed red pepper.
Is this recipe gluten free?
The classic recipe uses regular spaghetti, which contains gluten. However, using gluten-free pasta allows you to enjoy this Taco Spaghetti Recipe without gluten, keeping all the tasty flavors intact.
Can I make homemade taco seasoning for this?
Definitely! A simple mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper works perfectly and lets you control the seasoning intensity exactly as you like.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar cheese is traditional and melts beautifully here, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese for variations in flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is such a joyful fusion of two beloved comfort foods that it quickly becomes a weeknight staple once you try it. It’s flavorful, cheesy, and packed with that irresistible taco zest that everyone loves. Go ahead, give it a go, and watch how fast it disappears from the table!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish combining classic Italian pasta with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and simmered with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, cheesy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 8 oz spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside for later use.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Drain Excess Fat: If necessary, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent greaseiness in the dish.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing until the meat is well coated. Then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the taco spaghetti warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
- This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti pasta.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
