Hey y’all! If you love Tex-Mex flavors and crave hearty comfort food, this Taco Spaghetti is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine saucy taco-seasoned beef, tender spaghetti noodles, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings—all in a single skillet. It’s quick, delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for family meals, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Spaghetti
- One-pot meal—minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable toppings let everyone create their own masterpiece.
- Kid-friendly and a guaranteed hit at family dinner.
- Leftovers taste amazing—great for meal prep.
Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (homemade recipe)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro*Tel)
- 2 cups (500ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup (250ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions
How to Make Taco Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Season and Add Liquids
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the meat. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Add the spaghetti noodles (break in half if necessary) to the skillet, pressing them into the liquid. Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Turn off the heat and sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the pasta. Cover for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Give everything a gentle toss, then serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Notes for Perfect Taco Spaghetti
- Use low-sodium broth and sauce to control saltiness, especially if using a commercial taco seasoning blend.
- Swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for added nutrition or dietary needs (see pasta tips here).
- Add a splash more broth if you prefer a saucier spaghetti.
Variations on Taco Spaghetti
- Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: Swap meat for canned black beans or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth.
- Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner twist.
- Spicy Taco Spaghetti: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Equipment Needed for Taco Spaghetti
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (optional, for draining)
How to Store Taco Spaghetti
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer Taco Spaghetti to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth, or warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until steaming. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with Taco Spaghetti
- Pair with a crispy green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette.
- Serve alongside buttered corn or roasted Mexican street corn (authentic Elote recipe).
- Warm up a batch of tortilla chips and fresh guacamole for the ultimate Tex-Mex feast!
Pro Tips for Best Taco Spaghetti Results
- For extra depth, sauté diced bell peppers with the onions and beef.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; stop right at al dente for the best texture.
- Top the finished dish with a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten up the flavors (more on cooking with citrus).
Frequently Asked Questions: Taco Spaghetti
Can I make Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the dish up to a day in advance, store covered in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or linguine work great—just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is Taco Spaghetti spicy?
It’s mildly zesty but not overly spicy. Easily make it hotter or milder by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or jalapeños.
Taco Spaghetti Prep & Total Time
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz), undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
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3Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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5Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet, tossing to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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6Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let cheese melt for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
520cal
Protein:
29 gg
Fat:
23 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
49 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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