Taco Spaghetti Recipe

I absolutely love this Taco Spaghetti Recipe because it’s like a fiesta and comfort food all tossed into one pot. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how easy it is to throw together while still packing a punch of flavor that my whole family devours. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without a long list of dishes to wash later.

You’ll find that this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a great crowd-pleaser, combining familiar taco flavors with spaghetti noodles for a fun twist. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep it in your regular rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients work together beautifully to give you a flavorful, satisfying dinner with minimal fuss. I always keep taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes in my pantry because they transform simple dishes like this Taco Spaghetti Recipe into something special.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for browning the beef and onions—it adds a subtle richness.
• Ground beef: I like using 80/20 for nice flavor and juiciness, but leaner beef works just as well.
• Yellow onions: These add sweetness and depth once softened, so don’t skip or substitute with a stronger onion.
• Taco seasoning: You can use a packet or homemade mix; it’s the flavor hero here.
• Rotel tomatoes (do NOT drain): The juice is important for cooking the spaghetti and melding flavors together.
• Spaghetti noodles: Uncooked noodles go right into the sauce for that hands-off cooking magic.
• Water: Needed to cook the pasta in the skillet along with the other ingredients.
• Cheddar cheese: I use sharp cheddar shredded fresh for melty goodness stirred in and sprinkled on top.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that balances the rich flavors perfectly.

Variations

I love that this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is so adaptable. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, crank up the spice, or sneak in extra veggies, there’s so much you can try to tailor it to your family’s tastes and your pantry staples.

• Vegetarian version: I swapped out ground beef for seasoned black beans once, and it worked wonderfully; just add extra taco seasoning for punch.
• Extra veggies: Adding bell peppers or corn boosts nutrition and color—I toss them in with the onions while browning meat.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, I recommend adding a diced jalapeño with the onions or topping with hot sauce when serving.
• Cheesy twist: Mixing in pepper jack instead of cheddar gives a nice creamy kick.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and soften the onions

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large 12-inch skillet. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, breaking up the meat with your spatula. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and drain excess fat if you want a leaner dish.

Step 2: Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, noodles, and water

Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and onions, stirring to coat everything evenly. Pour in the entire can of Rotel tomatoes (do not drain the juice—that liquid helps cook the noodles) along with the uncooked spaghetti noodles and water. Stir everything gently to combine and distribute the ingredients evenly across the pan.

Step 3: Bring to a boil, then simmer

Turn the heat up to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because the pasta will soak up the flavorful liquid and soften perfectly. Resist the urge to stir too often, but check occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the pan.

Step 4: Add cheese and cilantro

After removing the skillet from heat, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pan. Give it a good stir to distribute the melted cheese throughout the spaghetti. Then top the dish with the remaining cheese and fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and brightness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this taco spaghetti with extra chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for creaminess and fresh flavor. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for a fun crunch that really brings the taco vibe to life.

Side Dishes

Simple Mexican rice or a crisp green salad with lime dressing make for great sides, adding balance to the richness of the pasta. I also like serving it with black beans or grilled corn on the cob when I want a fuller spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, I sometimes set out bowls of garnishes so everyone can customize their own plate—think jalapeños, chopped olives, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. This Taco Spaghetti Recipe also holds up well in a casserole dish if you want to bake the top with extra cheese to get it all gooey and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover taco spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it usually lasts well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover taco spaghetti successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and to bring back that delicious saucy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s effortless, flavorful, and always hits the spot for my family. I encourage you to give it a try and tweak it however you like—it’s fun, fast, and equally satisfying both on a busy Thursday or a casual weekend dinner. Once you taste it, you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort meal!

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