Taco Spaghetti is the genius mashup your weeknight dinners have been waiting for—imagine all the spicy, hearty, saucy joy of tacos swirling through a twirl of perfectly cooked pasta. There’s something irresistible about the bold, Tex-Mex flavors meeting classic spaghetti in one quick stovetop pan: zesty ground beef, gooey layers of cheese, and just the right kick from diced tomatoes with green chilies. Every bite promises warm comfort, fun flavors, and that crowd-pleasing, “can I have seconds?” satisfaction. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this dish never fails to deliver smiles and empty plates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to pull off a fantastic Taco Spaghetti—just a handful of everyday ingredients that come together in a magical way. Each component adds its own pop of flavor, color, or creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll want lined up before you start cooking:

Spaghetti (12 ounces): Go for classic spaghetti noodles—their gentle chewiness soaks up all that bold sauce.
Ground Beef (1 pound): A weeknight staple, beef brings savory depth and heartiness. You can easily swap for ground turkey or chicken if you like.
Taco Seasoning Mix (1 packet): The shortcut to effortless Tex-Mex flavor, with the perfect blend of spices and a bit of peppery heat.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps the seasoning coat every bit of beef and makes the sauce just thick enough.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 10-ounce can): Think Rotel—this adds tang, mild heat, and rich color to your sauce.
Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into tangy, orangey goodness for a creamy sauce that’s totally craveable.
Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): For that mild, velvety smoothness that plays so well with cheddar.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): The secret to a luscious, creamy texture that ties the whole dish together.
Fresh Cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Bright and herbal, a must for sprinkling on top for true taco vibes.
Green Onions, sliced (1/4 cup): Add pop and a gentle oniony bite right before serving.
Salt and Pepper to taste: The finishing touch to balance all the big flavors perfectly.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Be sure not to overcook—you want the pasta to have a little bite so it holds up under the hearty sauce. When done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab your biggest skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. For the best texture, make sure to drain off any excess fat before moving on.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Now for that Taco Spaghetti magic—sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the beef, pour in the water, and stir everything well. Let it all simmer for 2-3 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to come together and the sauce to thicken. The aroma at this point is irresistible!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes with Green Chilies

Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, juices and all. This base delivers a juicy, slightly spicy kick that takes the sauce over the top. Let it bubble gently for a couple more minutes so everything is hot and melded perfectly.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Reduce the heat to low, then mix in your cooked spaghetti. Add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream. Stir patiently—watch as the cheese melts and the whole pan transforms into a creamy, dreamy tangle of Taco Spaghetti bliss.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste and adjust with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, as needed. Dish up with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and green onions. That final pop of green is what makes this meal look and taste like a taco night celebration!

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

Bring your Taco Spaghetti to the table finished with a confetti of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant look. For those who crave a little extra heat or zing, scatter sliced jalapeños or diced tomatoes on top. A squeeze of lime can also add a zippy brightness.

Side Dishes

Taco Spaghetti plays well with so many sides—think crisp green salad tossed with avocado, classic Mexican street corn (elote), or simple tortilla chips with a scoop of guacamole. These sides add a playful crunch and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and serve your Taco Spaghetti as a casserole by pouring everything into a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly. Or, pile it high in colorful bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for taco-inspired crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Spaghetti keeps like a charm in the refrigerator. Store any extras in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors get even more pronounced after some time in the fridge!

Freezing

If you want to freeze Taco Spaghetti, let it cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings covered until piping hot or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Give everything a good stir, and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or cilantro for a just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Spaghetti with a different protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook them the same way as the ground beef for a lighter spin.

Is Taco Spaghetti spicy?

Not particularly—diced tomatoes with green chilies add a subtle kick, but the dish remains family-friendly. Want more heat? Top your servings with jalapeños or stir in a pinch of cayenne.

Can I turn this into a baked casserole?

Yes! Pile your finished Taco Spaghetti into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes. It’s bubbly, melty, and especially fun for gatherings.

What kind of cheese works best?

A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack offers the perfect blend of tangy and creamy, but feel free to swap in pepper jack or colby jack for extra zip if you have them.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the spaghetti just until al dente and avoid over-stirring once you’ve added it to the sauce. If reheating leftovers, add a touch of liquid to keep everything saucy and supple.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fun, quick, and jam-packed with flavor, Taco Spaghetti absolutely deserves a spot at your table. There’s no resisting those layers of cheesy, creamy, spicy, and savory goodness all tangled together on one fork. Grab your ingredients and get ready for a seriously satisfying dinner experience that’ll keep everyone coming back for more!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious fusion dish combining the flavors of tacos with spaghetti, creating a cheesy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 ounces spaghetti

Taco Meat:

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water

Sauce:

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Garnish:

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Taco Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes with green chilies to the meat. Mix in cooked spaghetti, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream. Stir until cheese is melted and pasta is coated.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
For added spice, include cayenne or jalapeños.
This dish can be baked as a casserole with extra cheese on top, baked at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American