The Zesty Taco Spaghetti Recipe That Everyone Loves

My weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this taco spaghetti mashup that delivers serious flavor punch.

Pasta and Mexican-inspired ingredients create a wild culinary adventure on your plate.

Melted cheese blankets tender noodles in a way that makes everyone at the table cheer.

Spicy ground beef mingles perfectly with pasta strands, creating a meal that feels both familiar and surprising.

Comfort food meets zesty celebration in one skillet, promising minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Kids and adults alike will devour this unexpected dinner sensation.

We bet you’ll want seconds before the first bite is even finished.

Taco Spaghetti That Turns Two Favorites Into One Dish

• Unleash Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this taco spaghetti in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick, satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ground beef for chicken or turkey, and add your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado for personalized flavor.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor combine in this simple dish that cooks everything in a single pan, saving time and reducing dishwashing stress.
• Kid-Approved Fusion: Blend two classic favorites – tacos and spaghetti – into a crowd-pleasing meal that will make children and adults cheer at dinnertime.

Taco Spaghetti Combo of Pasta and Meat

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein for a rich and satisfying base, lean beef preferred for less grease.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta, low-sodium option recommended.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that absorbs the taco-inspired flavors, regular or whole wheat works great.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy tomatoes that add zest and moisture to the dish, choose original or mild version.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides smooth, rich tomato base, any standard brand suitable.

• Taco Seasoning: Signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile, store-bought or homemade mix works.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and prevent sticking, extra virgin for best flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy texture, sharp cheddar recommended.

• Red Onion: Fresh crunch and mild sharpness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbal finish to the dish.

Taco Spaghetti Cooking Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until it transforms into delicious crumbles.

Remove any excess grease to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Generously coat the beef with taco seasoning, stirring to ensure every morsel is packed with zesty flavor.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

• Rotel tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Break spaghetti in half and submerge into the simmering sauce.

Ensure each strand is completely covered by the liquid.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let it cook for 12-15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

The pasta should become tender and absorb most of the delicious liquid.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish.

Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it becomes gloriously gooey.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

• Diced red onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Optional additional toppings

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Dish out this mouthwatering Taco Spaghetti while it’s hot and enjoy the fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors!

Spaghetti Tips With Taco Twist Satisfaction

• Experiment with various garnishes like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or diced avocado to add extra flavor and texture to your taco spaghetti.
• Break spaghetti noodles evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent any long, uncooked strands in the dish.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy and maintain a clean, robust flavor profile.
• Let the cheese melt slowly with the lid on to create a smooth, even cheese layer that coats the entire dish perfectly.
• Adjust the taco seasoning amount or add extra chili powder for those who prefer a more intense, spicy flavor in their taco spaghetti.

Taco Spaghetti Storage and Reheating Made Simple

• Store leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep fresh garnishes like cilantro and red onion in separate containers to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Splash a tablespoon of beef broth or water before reheating to restore the pasta's original saucy texture and prevent it from drying out.

Savory Sips For Taco Spaghetti

• Pair Zesty Mexican Beer to Complement Spice: Corona or Modelo Especial offer crisp, light flavors that perfectly balance the rich, seasoned beef and tangy tomato sauce in taco spaghetti.
• Brighten with Fresh Salsa Side: Homemade pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds vibrant freshness and cuts through the dish's hearty warmth.
• Enhance with Cool Sour Cream Topping: A dollop of creamy, tangy sour cream provides a smooth contrast to the spicy meat and helps mellow the overall flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Cilantro-Lime Margarita: The cocktail's citrusy notes and tequila kick create a playful complement to the bold, Mexican-inspired pasta dish.

Tasty Combinations for Taco Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or increase taco seasoning for extra heat and a bolder southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's core flavors.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. Choose mild versions if you prefer less spice, or opt for hot varieties if you want more kick.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Spaghetti works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with similar-length noodles like linguine or fettuccine. Avoid shorter pastas like penne or rotini.

• Do I need to drain the beef completely?

Remove most of the excess grease, but keep a small amount for added flavor. Use a paper towel or colander to drain the majority of the fat.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, choose low-sodium taco seasoning, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spaghetti meets Mexican zest in this mouthwatering Taco Spaghetti fusion that blends comfort and spice into one irresistible dish. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this recipe promises a delightful dinner that satisfies cravings and brings excitement to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce

Garnish and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom.
2. Crumble ground beef into the pan, browning thoroughly and eliminating any excess fat.
3. Dust the meat with vibrant taco seasoning, ensuring each morsel is evenly coated with robust flavors.
4. Pour in Rotel tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce, creating a zesty liquid base that will infuse the pasta with rich taste.
5. Snap spaghetti strands in half, nestling them into the simmering sauce, gently pushing the pasta beneath the liquid to guarantee even cooking.
6. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the pasta to absorb the spicy liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform tenderness.
7. When spaghetti reaches optimal texture and most liquid has disappeared, generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
8. Replace lid momentarily, letting cheese melt into a luxurious blanket over the dish.
9. Finish by scattering chopped red onion and fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant, aromatic presentation.
10. Serve piping hot, ready to delight hungry diners with its fusion of mexican and italian influences.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that reduces saturated fat intake.
• Choose whole wheat spaghetti to boost fiber content and create a more nutritious meal with added complex carbohydrates.
• Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning quantity or using a mild version for families with sensitive palates.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legume bases without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg