Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe: A Fun Twist on Pasta Night

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious twist with this mouthwatering taco spaghetti that combines two beloved comfort foods.

Pasta lovers will go crazy for this quick and easy mashup of Mexican and Italian flavors.

Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a seriously addictive meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Forget complicated recipes with endless ingredients – this dish brings maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Pantry staples and a few fresh additions make this a weeknight winner that everyone will request again and again.

Bold, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, this unexpected combo will have you rethinking traditional dinner options.

Why Taco Spaghetti Is a Weeknight Game-Changer

• Fusion Fun: Combine the zesty flavors of tacos with classic spaghetti for a mouthwatering meal that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that cooks pasta, meat, and sauce together in one simple process.
• Kid-Approved Meal: Blend familiar ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and pasta to create a crowd-pleasing dish that will make even picky eaters smile.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that require basic kitchen skills.

Everything You’ll Need for Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds richness to the taco spaghetti dish.

• Onions, Cilantro: Onions provide a savory depth, while cilantro offers a fresh, bright garnish.

• Spaghetti Noodles: The pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate and creates the unique fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that infuses the dish with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with green chilies that add moisture and a subtle kick of spice.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that brings creamy richness and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps brown the meat and prevent sticking.
• Water: Provides the necessary liquid to cook the spaghetti noodles.

How to Make Flavor-Packed Taco Spaghetti Fast

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Grab your skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and chopped onions.

Let them dance and sizzle until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and pour in Rotel tomatoes with their zesty juices.

Stir everything together until the flavors mingle and create a mouthwatering base.

Step 3: Noodle Magic

Drop uncooked spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet.

Pour water over the ingredients and gently mix everything to ensure the noodles are nestled in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently. Watch as the pasta absorbs the flavors and becomes tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Cheese Transformation

Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and scatter fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbling with cheesy, spicy goodness.

Notes That Help Taco Spaghetti Stand Out

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still packs tons of flavor.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this dish completely gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add extra spice by mixing in diced jalapeños or using a hot taco seasoning blend for those who love a kick of heat.
• Boost nutritional value by stirring in black beans or corn for added protein and texture without changing the core recipe.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of water to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Ideas for Switching Up Your Taco Pasta

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version. Add extra bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
• Spicy Chorizo Spaghetti: Swap ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage for a bold, zesty kick. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to enhance the heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and verify that taco seasoning is gluten-free. Confirm all ingredients meet dietary restrictions for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute spaghetti with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini noodles. Maintain the same seasonings and cooking method for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative.

What Sides Go Best with Taco Spaghetti

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec for a tangy drink that complements the spicy taco flavors and cuts through the rich cheese.
• Serve with Crisp Jalapeño Cornbread: Create a side of golden cornbread studded with diced jalapeños to add a complementary texture and extra southwestern kick that matches the dish's bold profile.
• Enhance with Fresh Avocado Salsa: Chop ripe avocados, red onions, and cilantro to create a cool, creamy topping that balances the warm, cheesy spaghetti and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Mexican Cerveza: Select a light, crisp beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spicy pasta dish.

How to Store Leftover Taco Spaghetti Dishes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Transfer cooled Taco Spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Is taco spaghetti spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. For milder flavor, choose mild versions of both ingredients.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and offers a leaner protein option for this dish. Simply follow the same cooking method.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef before adding other ingredients?

Yes, drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy and ensure better flavor concentration.

• What if I don't have Rotel tomatoes?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chiles or a pinch of chili flakes to maintain the similar flavor profile.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican-inspired Taco Spaghetti brings zesty flavors dancing across your plate with cheesy, meaty goodness. Comfort meets excitement in this quick weeknight dinner that promises to satisfy hungry families and spice enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup yellow onions, chopped

Pasta and Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
• 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
• 3 cups water
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef and onions in olive oil over medium heat until meat browns and onions become translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes.
2. Incorporate taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Add uncooked spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet, then pour water to cover ingredients.
4. Increase heat to high and bring liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
5. Cover skillet and allow mixture to simmer for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent noodles from sticking.
6. Check pasta for doneness, ensuring most liquid is absorbed and noodles are tender.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, gently folding until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy consistency.
8. Turn off heat and let dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish.
10. Serve immediately while hot, directly from the skillet for maximum flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.
• Enhance spice levels by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat in their meal.
• Prepare extra portions and store in an airtight container for quick meal prep – this dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 562 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg