Taco Spaghetti is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the comforting flavors of classic pasta and the bold, savory kick of Tex-Mex cuisine. This dish has quickly become a reader favorite, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its combination of ground beef, taco seasoning, spaghetti, and cheese, it's sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a fun twist on traditional spaghetti with a zesty taco flavor. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. The one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze, and the cheesy, savory combination will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite taco toppings, making it as mild or spicy as you like.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoon homemade blend)
1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup diced red onion
Fresh cilantro for garnish
1 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat.
Add Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and additional toppings if desired.
Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Taco Spaghetti: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet for extra heat.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with black beans or tofu for a meatless option.
Cheese Options: Try using pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Taco Spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.

2. Can I make Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Store it in the fridge and add the cheese when you're ready to serve.

3. How can I make Taco Spaghetti spicier?

Add more taco seasoning, fresh jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to bring the heat up.

4. Can I freeze Taco Spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze Taco Spaghetti. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe for a lighter option.

6. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute the packet of taco seasoning with a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

7. Can I add more vegetables to Taco Spaghetti?

You can add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a boost of veggies in the dish.

8. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make Taco Spaghetti gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

9. Can I use a slow cooker for Taco Spaghetti?

You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, though it will require a bit of time and may need adjustments to the liquid amounts.

10. How can I make Taco Spaghetti less greasy?

Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat after browning the meat to reduce greasiness.

Conclusion

Taco Spaghetti is a fun and flavorful dish that blends Tex-Mex and Italian cuisines for a satisfying and easy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Taco Spaghetti combines the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the comfort of traditional pasta. This one-pan recipe featuring ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheesy goodness is quick, easy, and customizable. Perfect for busy weeknights, Taco Spaghetti is sure to be a family favorite!

Instructions

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat.
Add Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the skillet. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings you like.
Serve immediately.