Imagine twirling forkfuls of cheesy, spicy goodness that bring together the best of two beloved cuisines in one bowl. This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect marriage of classic Italian pasta and bold Tex-Mex flavors, creating a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and bursting with vibrant tastes. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or something fun to impress your friends, this recipe delivers every time with its rich, savory sauce, tender ground beef, and melty cheese topping. Let me show you how simple ingredients come alive in this crowd-pleaser that will soon become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each lending something special to the dish—texture, flavor, or color. Here’s what you’ll gather before diving into the kitchen:
- Spaghetti: The pasta base that soaks up all the delicious taco-flavored sauce perfectly.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a rich, savory component.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: For an aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor.
- Taco seasoning: The star spice blend that turns this pasta into a Tex-Mex fiesta.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Adds juiciness and a subtle kick of heat.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the sauce.
- Beef broth: Enhances richness and helps meld the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy pockets of cheesy delight.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a mild, buttery melting quality.
- Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adding a silky texture.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright, herbaceous garnish that refreshes the palate.
- Sour cream: Optional but highly recommended for a cool, creamy contrast.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender when you bite in. This is key because the pasta will continue to soak up the sauce flavors once combined, so you don’t want it too soft or mushy. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will build a flavorful foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to your skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks evenly until fully browned. Be sure to drain any excess grease if there’s too much, which keeps the dish from feeling greasy and heavy.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well to coat the beef. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting all those bold flavors marry for about five minutes. This step creates that saucy Tex-Mex heart that defines this Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Now, add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated in the delicious taco sauce. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Finish with salt and pepper to taste.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top brings a lively freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce. A spoonful of cool, tangy sour cream also adds a lovely creaminess that balances the spice and cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, crunchy sides like a fresh green salad, tortilla chips with salsa, or even charred corn on the cob. These add textural variety and round out the meal in a satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of guacamole and chopped jalapeños. It also makes for a fantastic stuffed pepper filling or a zesty casserole layered with extra cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the pasta moist and the cheese creamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative while still soaking up the flavors of the taco seasoning and sauce beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, provided you use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your taco seasoning doesn’t contain gluten. Always check labels to be safe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils to keep things hearty and satisfying without the meat.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack provide a perfect melt and complementary flavors, but pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick if you want more heat.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning—simple to adjust by adding more or less seasoning or including a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and downright fun about this Taco Spaghetti Recipe; it’s like enjoying two favorites wrapped into one delicious experience. It’s quick, easy, and wildly satisfying—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab your ingredients, turn up the heat, and get ready to fall in love with this Tex-Mex twist on pasta!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired twist on classic spaghetti. Combining the bold flavors of taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, this easy weeknight dinner brings together tender pasta and savory ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for families and meal prep, it’s quick to make on the stovetop and can be customized with ground turkey, corn, or black beans for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti (use gluten-free spaghetti for gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Mix in Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and becomes creamy throughout the pasta.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve topped with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, if using.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add corn or black beans to the sauce for additional texture and nutrition.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicy kick.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping.
