Name: Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)

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Meet your newest dinnertime hero: the Taco Spaghetti Recipe! This unforgettable mashup brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors and classic comfort food, all in under 30 minutes. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed with savory taco-seasoned beef, sweet tomatoes with green chilies, and a glorious, melty cheese blanket. Whether you’re after a family meal everyone will devour or a fun weeknight twist, this dish promises bold taste, easy prep, and a guaranteed return to the table for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few essentials transform into a wildly flavorful feast! Each ingredient for the Taco Spaghetti Recipe has a role to play—some bring zesty heat, others creamy texture, and every one adds vibrant color to your dinner plate.

Spaghetti (8 ounces): The pasta base that soaks up all those delectable taco flavors.
Ground beef (1 pound): Brings heartiness and classic taco taste; swap for turkey or plant-based crumbles to switch it up.
Small onion, diced (1): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and aromatics while sautéing.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Gives the dish an irresistible kick of savory depth.
Taco seasoning (1 packet): The quick and easy way to get all your favorite Tex-Mex spices in one shake!
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10-ounce can): Rotel brings juicy texture and subtle heat—try a hot version if you love spice.
Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Binds everything together with tang and richness.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps thin the sauce enough to coat every strand of spaghetti.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and gives that familiar, comforting Tex-Mex body.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, perfectly stretchy finish to the melted cheese topping.
Garnishes (cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños): Go wild and personalize with your favorite toppings for color, freshness, or heat!

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling your spaghetti according to package directions. Aim for just al dente—the noodles will mingle with the sauce later and you don’t want them to get mushy. Once done, drain well and set aside, but don’t worry if they cool down; they’ll warm again in all that cheesy sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a big skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir frequently until the beef turns brown and the onions are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully drain most of it off, leaving just enough for flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and the taco seasoning packet. Let them cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until your kitchen is filled with the warm scent of Tex-Mex magic. This step gives your Taco Spaghetti Recipe its signature personality.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Sauce

Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, the tomato sauce, and half a cup of water. Stir everything to combine, then allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. This is where all those flavors get cozy—melding together for delicious results.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now toss in your cooked spaghetti, gently folding it into the beefy, zesty sauce. Make sure every strand is coated, so each bite delivers the full Tex-Mex experience.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until smooth and melty. Sprinkle the rest on top, cover the skillet, and let it all get gloriously gooey—just about 2 minutes. Your Taco Spaghetti Recipe is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

This dish loves a little personalization! Sprinkle on fresh cilantro for brightness, add chopped tomatoes for color, or let everyone swirl on a dollop of sour cream. For spice fans, sliced jalapeños are always a crowd-pleaser. These final touches make your Taco Spaghetti Recipe pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair your Taco Spaghetti Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette, some crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole, or even Mexican street corn for a full Tex-Mex spread. Simple sides complement the richness and round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make it a showstopper? Load individual portions into mini cast-iron skillets for a fun twist or bake the whole thing in a casserole, letting that cheese bubble up deliciously golden. You can even serve it taco-bar style—set out toppings and let everyone customize their plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, and sometimes the flavors intensify overnight! This is a true next-day lunch win.

Freezing

Planning ahead? Freeze cooled portions of Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual containers or a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap tightly to protect the cheese and pasta from freezer burn.

Reheating

Quickly reheat leftovers in the microwave, covered loosely so the cheese remelts evenly. For larger portions, a low oven (about 325°F) helps keep that lovely texture. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if the pasta looks a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is perfect here, try penne, rotini, or even whole-wheat noodles for extra texture and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is Taco Spaghetti Recipe spicy?

The default version has a gentle kick from the green chilies, but you control the heat. Opt for mild or hot tomatoes, or sprinkle in crushed red pepper according to your crowd’s taste buds.

What cheese substitutes work best?

If cheddar and Monterey Jack aren’t handy, blend in Colby, Pepper Jack, or even a Mexican cheese mix for a slightly different (but equally delicious) twist.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in plant-based protein crumbles instead of beef, and use veggie broth in place of water if you’d like even deeper savory notes.

What’s the best way to double this recipe?

It’s easy to scale up! Simply double all ingredients, grab your largest skillet or use a Dutch oven, and you’ll have enough Taco Spaghetti Recipe for an extra-large table (or plenty of seconds).

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s comforting, quick, and bursting with flavor, the Taco Spaghetti Recipe is your answer. It’s a hearty crowd-pleaser you’ll keep coming back to, and once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the flavors of tacos with a comforting pasta dish. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

8 ounces spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add seasonings: Stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine ingredients: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Stir in half of the cheeses until melted.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover and heat until cheese melts. Serve hot with optional garnishes.