If you have ever wished for a dish that brings together the comfort of Italian pasta and the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine, then this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a brilliant fusion meal that takes everyday spaghetti and transforms it into a vibrant, cheesy, taco-inspired dinner that’s bursting with flavor. This recipe hits all the right notes with savory ground beef seasoned perfectly, melty cheeses, and a delightful tomato base that carries a gentle kick from green chilies. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe will quickly become a staple for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings alike because it is simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Taco Spaghetti Recipe are easy to find and straightforward, yet each one makes a vital contribution to the taste, texture, and color of the final dish. From the perfectly cooked pasta to the seasoned beef and the melty cheeses, every element plays a role in making this meal a winner.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: Use your favorite brand and cook it until just al dente to maintain a nice bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth richness for browning the beef and softening the aromatics.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor as the protein base.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a punch of aromatic warmth.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix: The soul of the dish, bringing classic taco spices.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps to blend the taco seasoning into the sauce perfectly.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained: Adds juiciness and a mild spicy kick.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Creates a rich and smooth saucy base for the spaghetti.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey texture when melted.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers creamy, mild meltiness that complements cheddar.
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): Adds fresh, bright notes and heat to finish.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. This ensures the pasta holds up beautifully once it’s combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it ready for the later steps.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up as it browns to ensure there are no large clumps. This step is where the beef develops a flavorful crust, which adds fantastic depth to the dish. Drain excess grease if there’s too much for a lighter dish.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Into the skillet with the beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step mellows the sharpness of the onion and garlic, enriching the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Liquids
Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over your meat and stir in half a cup of water. This helps dissolve the seasoning, allowing it to coat every bit of meat beautifully. Then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) and the tomato sauce. Stir it all together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, stirring to mix it thoroughly with the sauce and beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes deliciously gooey.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off your Taco Spaghetti Recipe with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños adds a burst of freshness and a touch of heat that melds perfectly with the warm, cheesy pasta. These garnishes not only elevate the visual appeal but also balance the rich flavors with their brightness and crispness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole, which complement the robust taco flavors without overpowering them. You can also serve a side of black beans or corn for extra texture and to keep the Tex-Mex theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, consider serving the Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or clear glass bowls so everyone can admire the layers of meat, sauce, and melted cheese. Alternatively, you can sprinkle extra cheese and crusty bread on the side for that homemade comfort feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Taco Spaghetti Recipe cools to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days and remains tasty when reheated, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While you can freeze the taco spaghetti, it’s best to freeze it without the cheese topping to maintain the best texture upon reheating. Store it in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. To keep the cheese melty and the pasta moist, add a splash of water or broth before warming. Cover the skillet to trap steam and heat through evenly without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works perfectly well for this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It absorbs the taco seasoning nicely and keeps the dish leaner if that’s your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-friendly if you swap the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to double-check your taco seasoning mix and tomato products for any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I add vegetables to the Taco Spaghetti?
Yes, adding black beans, corn, bell peppers, or even zucchini can enhance the texture and nutritional profile of the dish. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic for best results.
How spicy is this taco spaghetti?
The level of heat is mild to medium due to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and optional jalapeño garnish. You can adjust the spice level by omitting the chilies or jalapeños, or by adding extra if you love a real kick!
What’s the best cheese to use for the topping?
The classic combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a balance of sharpness and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for more spice or a mild mozzarella variation if you prefer a subtle cheese flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is one of those delightful meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and easy to whip up any night of the week. It’s a fantastic way to keep dinner exciting while using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. I highly recommend giving it a try; it’s bound to become a favorite repeat in your recipe rotation and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
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: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the classic flavors of taco seasoning with hearty spaghetti, creating a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal. Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and taco spices, then simmered with tomatoes and sauce before being tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. A perfect Tex-Mex fusion dish that’s quick, easy, and ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, mixing well. Then add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the spaghetti mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier variation.
- Add black beans or corn to the skillet for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well and make for a satisfying next-day lunch.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly.
