Easy Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering taco spaghetti recipe brings together two beloved comfort foods in one incredible dish.

Pasta lovers will find this fusion irresistibly delicious and packed with bold flavors.

Mexican-inspired spices dance through each twirled strand, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet satisfying combination.

Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a crowd-pleasing option that takes minimal effort to prepare.

Quick cooking techniques ensure you can have this tempting meal on the table in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to wow everyone at the dinner table with this unexpected culinary mashup that screams pure deliciousness.

Taco Spaghetti Loaded with Flavor

• Savor Quick and Satisfying Meal: Perfect for busy families looking for a delicious dinner that comes together in minutes.
• Create Family-Friendly Fusion: Combines classic Italian pasta with zesty Mexican taco flavors, appealing to both kids and adults who love exciting taste combinations.
• Minimal Cleanup Cooking: Uses just one skillet for the entire recipe, reducing dishes and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexible topping options like sour cream, green onions, and cilantro, allowing everyone to personalize their plate according to their taste preferences.

Ingredients to Build Easy Taco Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that provides the perfect foundation for this tasty dish.

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and protein to the taco spaghetti.

• Taco Seasoning, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates a zesty and tangy taco-inspired sauce that coats the pasta.
• Olive Oil: Helps to cook the ground beef and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty topping that adds extra flavor and texture.
• Sour Cream, Green Onions, Cilantro: Optional fresh toppings that bring brightness and additional taste to the final dish.

How to Make Flavorful Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab your spaghetti and cook it in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat is beautifully browned and no longer pink, creating those delicious crispy edges.

Step 3: Create Zesty Sauce

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss and mix until every strand of pasta is gloriously coated with the spicy taco sauce.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt into a gooey, irresistible blanket for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Dive into this ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of tacos and pasta!

Tips to Perfect Easy Taco Spaghetti

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Drain pasta water slightly less to help sauce cling better to spaghetti, creating a more cohesive dish.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of chicken broth or a teaspoon of chili powder for extra depth.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to speed up cooking process and make weeknight meal preparation easier.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Creative Twists on Taco Spaghetti

• Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Mexican Pasta: Swap beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternative to create a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Spicy Noodle Fiesta: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same bold taco flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Taco Pasta: Substitute spaghetti with riced cauliflower or cauliflower noodles for a lower-carbohydrate meal that still packs a punch.

Pairings That Lift Taco Spaghetti

• A crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial perfectly cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of the taco spaghetti.
• A bright, citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc balances the creamy cheese and tangy sour cream with its refreshing acidity.
• A classic margarita with fresh lime juice elevates the dish's Mexican-inspired taste, matching the bold taco seasoning's warmth.
• Sparkling agua fresca with hibiscus or pineapple provides a cool, fruity counterpoint to the hearty pasta's robust flavors.

Storing Taco Spaghetti to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or bags. Stays good for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning. Choose mild for kids or hot for spice lovers. You can always control the spiciness by selecting the right seasoning blend.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and makes the dish leaner. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well for great flavor.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make a quick homemade mix using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This allows you to customize the taste and control sodium levels.

• How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente and drain immediately. When mixing with the sauce, toss quickly to coat without overcooking, which helps maintain the perfect pasta texture.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent taco spaghetti combines Mexican and Italian flavors in one hearty dish. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies you with its bold, comforting taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti pasta
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (10 ounces or 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 can (8 ounces or 226 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside in a colander.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then brown ground beef while breaking it into small crumbles, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Eliminate excess fat from the skillet, then introduce taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stirring to integrate ingredients completely.
4. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles and ensuring seasoning penetrates the meat thoroughly.
5. Transfer drained spaghetti directly into the skillet, gently folding the pasta through the spicy meat sauce until each strand is evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, covering the skillet and allowing cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
7. Remove from stove and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream before serving immediately.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding black beans or shredded chicken as alternative meat options for vegetarians and flexitarian diets.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium taco seasoning and choosing no-salt-added tomato products for heart-healthy meals.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Elevate spice levels by incorporating fresh jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce for those craving extra heat and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg