If you love the bold flavors of tacos but also crave the comforting warmth of pasta, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining seasoned ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and tender spaghetti noodles, this dish delivers a delightful fusion that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that brings a fiesta to your table without any fuss, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this clever, cheesy concoction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that each play a starring role in crafting a dish that’s savory, satisfying, and vibrant. From the aromatic onions to the punchy taco seasoning, every element adds layers of taste and texture that come together beautifully.
- Olive oil: Use 2 tablespoons to give a perfect base for sautéing and add richness without overpowering flavors.
- Ground beef: 1 pound of lean beef provides hearty protein and absorbs all those delicious spices perfectly.
- Yellow onions, chopped: 1/4 cup adds natural sweetness and depth to the mix.
- Taco seasoning: 1/4 cup or one packet brings the signature punch of southwestern spices to the dish.
- Rotel tomatoes: One 10 ounce can (do not drain) delivers bright, tangy juice that infuses with the pasta.
- Spaghetti noodles: 8 ounces uncooked noodles create the comforting carb base that soaks up all those flavors.
- Water: 3 cups to cook the pasta right in the skillet, simplifying the whole process.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: 4 ounces melt in perfectly, amping up the creaminess and adding a sharp finish.
- Cilantro, chopped: 1/2 cup for freshness and a pop of vibrant green color to garnish.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this gentle warmth is ideal for drawing out the flavors. Add in the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook them together, stirring occasionally until the beef is evenly browned and the onions have softened, creating a fragrant base loaded with savory goodness.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Rotel Tomatoes
Next, sprinkle in your taco seasoning and pour the entire can of Rotel tomatoes, juices and all. Stir everything well to combine; this step brings that classic taco flavor straight into the skillet, melding with the beef and onions perfectly.
Step 3: Incorporate Pasta and Water
Now, break out your spaghetti noodles and nestle them right into the mixture. Pour in 3 cups of water, then stir to evenly distribute everything. It’s a one-pot wonder from here, saving on cleanup and keeping all those flavors together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked
Bring the whole skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. During this time, the pasta cooks and soaks up all of that flavorful liquid, thickening into a hearty, cohesive dish.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts into creamy, golden strands throughout the dish, making it irresistibly luscious and comforting.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Cilantro and Serve Hot
Remove from heat, toss in the chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note, and serve immediately. This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is best enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet, when every bite is bursting with cheesy, spicy goodness.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or a few slices of fresh jalapeño on top for a little kick. A dollop of sour cream or dollops of guacamole can add creamy coolness that balances the taco spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a side of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. You could also serve it alongside Mexican street corn to amp up the festive vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual bowls topped with avocado wedges and a lime wedge on the side for an interactive and colorful presentation. For a fun twist, scoop portions into small taco shells for a playful finger-food option that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to preserve texture and flavor quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the pasta. Alternatively, microwave in covered containers, stirring halfway through heating for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cook a medley of beans and vegetables with the taco seasoning for a satisfying vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is ideal because of its sharp, melting quality, but you could also try a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack for a slightly different, creamy texture and taste.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free spaghetti noodles work great in this recipe. Just watch the cooking time carefully as they can sometimes cook faster or slower than regular pasta.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and the Rotel tomatoes. If you prefer less heat, choose a mild taco seasoning or drain the tomatoes to reduce the kick.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! This Taco Spaghetti Recipe scales up well — just use a larger skillet or pot and adjust cooking times slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a delicious, easy, and downright fun Taco Spaghetti Recipe to add some excitement to your weekly meal rotation. It’s the perfect combination of comforting pasta and bold taco flavors that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. I can’t wait for you to try this one and make it your own with fun garnishes and sides. Trust me, it’s going to be a family favorite in no time!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-pan meal that combines the savory taste of taco-seasoned ground beef with tender spaghetti noodles and melted cheddar cheese. This quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and onions.
- Cook beef and onions: Add the ground beef and chopped onions to the skillet, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with their juices, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Add spaghetti and water: Place the uncooked spaghetti noodles into the skillet, then pour in 3 cups of water. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Melt cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends well into the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with the chopped cilantro, and serve the taco spaghetti hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños along with the onions.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer, add more cheese or use a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
