If you’re craving a dish that brings together the best of two worlds—comforting pasta and bold taco flavors—you’re going to fall head over heels for this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a delightful Tex-Mex twist on a classic, blending perfectly seasoned ground beef with juicy tomatoes, melty cheese, and tender spaghetti. What makes this recipe stand out is how effortlessly it transforms pantry staples into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe serves as your new go-to for a satisfying and fun dinner that everyone will ask for again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to adding texture and color. These simple, easy-to-find components come together to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: The perfect base that soaks up all those delicious taco flavors.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and that classic taco taste everyone loves.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Brings the signature spice blend that makes this dish unmistakably taco-inspired.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps simmer the seasoning and tomatoes into a rich sauce.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Adds a fresh zing and a little heat that brightens the entire plate.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy finish everyone craves.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a creamy counterpart to the cheddar for a balanced cheesy blend.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that flavors the meat deeply.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Packs a punch of savory depth that complements the taco seasonings perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to soften the onions and garlic, unlocking their natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together just right.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): Fresh toppings that add a pop of color and an extra kick of flavor.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti to Al Dente
Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to hold up well when tossed with the rich taco sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside so it’s ready to combine with the rest of your flavorful ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onions. Cook them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent—that’s when they release a natural sweetness that’s foundational for this dish. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to infuse the oil with savory richness.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, toss in the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spoon to ensure it browns evenly. Browning the beef is key because it develops those deep, meaty flavors that make this Taco Spaghetti Recipe shine. When it’s no longer pink, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and pour in the water, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the spices to fully mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step infuses the beef with authentic taco flavors that set this recipe apart.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Combine with Spaghetti
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, leaving the juice undrained to keep the sauce flavorful and saucy. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet. Toss well so that every strand is coated with that zesty taco tomato sauce for a perfect marriage of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the spaghetti, then cover the skillet and remove it from heat. Give it about 2 to 3 minutes—just enough time for the cheese to melt deliciously, creating an irresistible cheesy layer that ties the whole dish together. This is comfort food at its finest!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Taco Spaghetti Recipe and add bursts of freshness, top your serving with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños. The cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness, while the jalapeños kick up the spice level and add an appealing crunch. These small touches make the dish feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette or some crisp tortilla chips with guacamole. The freshness and crisp textures from these sides complement the warm, cheesy, and spicy flavors, balancing your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Taco Spaghetti Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or bake it with extra cheese on top under the broiler for a bubbly crust. You can also spoon it into taco shells for an inventive pasta taco combo that’s sure to impress at dinner parties or casual family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days while maintaining most of its flavor and texture, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, you can freeze the spaghetti in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing, but reheated, it still tastes fantastic and saves you time on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Stir frequently to heat evenly and restore that creamy, cheesy consistency that makes the Taco Spaghetti Recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work wonderfully in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Just brown them the same way and continue with the recipe as usual.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level can be adjusted easily—using mild diced tomatoes with green chilies keeps it approachable, but swapping for hot tomatoes or adding extra jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes will amp up the spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety. The flavors remain just as amazing, making it an easy adjustment for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, while keeping all other ingredients and steps the same.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
Covering the skillet and letting the residual heat gently melt the cheese off the burner is key. This method prevents overcooking and allows for smooth, even melting every time.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is one of those delightful meals that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special and comforting. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved blend of familiar flavors with a fun twist. So go ahead, give it a shot—your taste buds will thank you for this simple, cheesy, and absolutely delicious weeknight winner.
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
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
A flavorful and easy weeknight meal combining the zest of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex inspired dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prepare the rest of the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, then simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer, combining all the flavors.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Melting Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the skillet and let it sit off the heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to vary the protein.
- Leftovers reheat well and make an excellent next-day meal.
