Ready to liven up your weeknight dinner routine? The Best Taco Spaghetti is a Tex-Mex comfort classic that brilliantly combines the hearty twirl of Italian pasta with the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite taco night. Imagine tender spaghetti tangled in a cheesy, taco-spiced sauce, loaded with juicy beef, savory tomatoes, and creamy layers of cheese—every forkful is pure joy. It’s quick to assemble, perfect for families, and so satisfying that even picky eaters come back for seconds. If you’re craving something fun, bold, and cozy, The Best Taco Spaghetti is your next must-make dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for The Best Taco Spaghetti is a breeze—you probably have most of them on hand already! Each component brings its own magic: from the rich beef and melty cheese to the twang of taco seasoning and the cool touch of sour cream. These simple ingredients unite to create a dish that’s vibrant in both flavor and color.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): A familiar base that soaks up all those zesty Tex-Mex flavors and keeps the dish wonderfully hearty.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Classic, juicy protein that’s absolutely perfect for holding onto every bit of taco seasoning.
- Taco Seasoning Mix (1 packet, 1 ounce): The secret weapon for bold, instantly recognizable taco flavor.
- Diced Onion (1 cup): Adds aromatic sweetness and a touch of crunch as your sauce simmers.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 ounces, undrained): Brings tang, gentle heat, and lovely color all at once.
- Tomato Sauce (1/2 cup): Melds everything together into a smooth, rich sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, orange yumminess and creates that irresistible top layer.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup): Offers creamy meltiness and extra richness to balance the cheddar.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Provides a cool tang and unmistakable creaminess to the sauce.
- Water (1/2 cup): Keeps the sauce silky and ensures your pasta isn’t dry.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents sticking as you cook and adds subtle flavor to the sautéed onion and beef.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and making all the Tex-Mex flavors sing.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional, for garnish): A fresh, finishing touch that looks and tastes fantastic on top.
How to Make The Best Taco Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step sets the stage for a dish that’s beautifully springy and never mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll be folding it into cheesy, taco-inspired goodness in no time!
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Brown the Beef
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, letting it sizzle and soften for about three to four minutes—it’ll smell amazing. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula, and cook until it’s thoroughly browned. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep things saucy (not greasy).
Step 3: Build the Taco Sauce
Sprinkle the taco seasoning right over the beef and onions, then pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and water. Stir it all together and let the mixture simmer for about five minutes. This is where all those vibrant Tex-Mex flavors really come alive!
Step 4: Add Creaminess and Cheese
Reduce the skillet heat to low, then stir in the sour cream and half of both cheeses. The sauce will instantly turn silky, creamy, and so tempting. This creamy-cheesy mixture is what takes The Best Taco Spaghetti from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Bake
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet, tossing everything so the pasta is thoroughly coated with the beefy, cheesy sauce. Transfer this goodness to a large greased baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese all over the top for an extra-melty finish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and everything smells heavenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
As soon as the spaghetti comes out of the oven, sprinkle it with freshly chopped cilantro if you like. This simple touch adds a fabulous pop of green and a fresh, herbal aroma that makes The Best Taco Spaghetti downright irresistible. Serve it up warm, with plenty of smiles around the table!
How to Serve The Best Taco Spaghetti
Garnishes
Garnishing The Best Taco Spaghetti is pure fun—try a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro (classic!), dollops of extra sour cream, or even some sliced jalapeños for a touch of heat. Crushed tortilla chips tossed on top right before serving add an awesome crunch that pairs beautifully with gooey cheese.
Side Dishes
Round out the meal with simple sides: a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, buttery corn on the cob, or warm garlic breadsticks are all stellar options. Mexican-style street corn or a side of black beans also fit perfectly with the Taco Spaghetti’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try serving The Best Taco Spaghetti in individual ramekins, or scoop generous mounds onto a big platter and let everyone garnish their own. Another crowd-pleaser is to set up a taco toppings bar and let friends and family customize their servings with extras like avocado, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as crave-worthy as tonight’s dinner!
Freezing
The Best Taco Spaghetti freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Let it cool completely before freezing to keep everything tasting fresh and vibrant when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water to keep things creamy, or reheat larger batches in a baking dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add a little extra cheese on top if you want it extra melty—no one will ever guess it’s leftovers!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use any long or short pasta shape, such as penne or rotini. Just cook it until al dente so it keeps a nice texture once baked with the sauce.
Is there a way to make The Best Taco Spaghetti spicier?
Yes, for extra kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add some pepper jack cheese to dial up the spice even more!
What proteins can I substitute for the ground beef?
Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter take, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re after a vegetarian version. The taco seasoning and creamy sauce go well with nearly any protein you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the baking step and cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for up to a day, then bake just before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy nights.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente and avoid overbaking. Adding the pasta to the sauce right before baking also helps keep its texture perfect—no mush here, just deliciously twirlable strands!
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that are comforting, crave-worthy, and a little unexpected, you owe it to yourself to whip up The Best Taco Spaghetti. It’s easy, family-friendly, and destined to become a weeknight favorite. Grab your fork and dig in—you’ll see why everyone calls this the best!
Print
The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious fusion of tacos and spaghetti with this flavorful and cheesy Taco Spaghetti recipe. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 ounces spaghetti
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 pound ground beef, 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix, 1 cup diced onion, 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, salt and pepper to taste
Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream
Others:
1 tablespoon olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Sauté onion, add ground beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer, then add sour cream and half of the cheeses.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked spaghetti with the beef mixture, transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- For a spicier kick, opt for hot diced tomatoes or add jalapeños.
- This dish is great for prepping ahead and baking when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
