The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
The Best Taco Spaghetti combines two all-time favorites—zesty Tex-Mex tacos and comforting pasta—into one irresistible dish that’s sure to steal the show at your next family dinner. Imagine twirling perfectly al dente spaghetti through a bold, saucy mixture of seasoned ground beef, chiles, and melty cheese, topped with fresh, colorful garnishes that make every bite vibrant and crave-worthy. If you love simple, flavor-packed meals that come together quickly and make everyone at the table happy, The Best Taco Spaghetti will be your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for The Best Taco Spaghetti is refreshingly straightforward, but every item plays a key role in building layers of bold flavor, creamy texture, and that eye-catching fiesta of colors. Each component brings something special to the party, making this dish a true weeknight hero.
- Spaghetti (12 ounces): Classic noodles make the perfect base for soaking up the Tex-Mex flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions evenly.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides heartiness and that classic taco night taste—swap it out for turkey or chicken for a lighter spin.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Builds aromatic depth into the meat mixture and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic brings a kick of flavor you don’t want to skip.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade mix): The secret sauce! Use your favorite blend for custom heat and spice.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (1 can, 10 ounces): Adds saucy, tangy brightness and just the right hint of heat.
- Tomato sauce (1 cup): Makes everything saucy and helps the pasta come together with the beef.
- Water (½ cup): Loosens the sauce for perfect coating on every strand of spaghetti.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The quintessential topping—melts to creamy, gooey bliss.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup): Blends beautifully with the cheddar for a luscious cheesy finish.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Lifts the whole dish with bright, herby freshness.
- Diced tomatoes (for garnish): Bring extra pop and a cool, juicy contrast to the warm pasta.
- Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional): Add a spicy punch for those who love more kick.
How to Make The Best Taco Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente, following your package instructions, so it stays firm and never mushy once mixed with the sauce. When it’s ready, drain and set aside—your pasta is now primed to soak up every savory, cheesy bite of The Best Taco Spaghetti.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. This crucial step develops the mouthwatering base for our taco pasta—let everything brown for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and aromatic.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Now add the minced garlic and taco seasoning directly to the pan. Let these mingle for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is when you’ll really smell the irresistible Tex-Mex flavor blooming, and you want to make sure every bite of beef gets coated with that crave-worthy spice.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine, and bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes—this gives all the flavors time to meld, and the sauce thickens just enough to hug the noodles perfectly.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Now for the magic: add your drained spaghetti directly to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together so the strands are coated with every bit of spiced, tomatoey sauce. This step ensures you’ll have deeply flavorful pasta from top to bottom.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Melt
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the saucy spaghetti. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey, bubbly perfection. Resist the urge to dig in immediately—just a minute longer makes all the difference!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish The Best Taco Spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and some diced tomatoes for juicy, colorful contrast. For extra zing, top with sliced jalapeños. Serve warm, and get ready for the oohs and aahs!
How to Serve The Best Taco Spaghetti
Garnishes
The right garnishes add a final flourish that brings out all the best flavors in The Best Taco Spaghetti. Sprinkle on fresh cilantro for herbal brightness, diced tomatoes for a cool, juicy bite, and sliced jalapeños if you enjoy a spicy kick. Don’t be shy—each topping brings a burst of color and personality!
Side Dishes
Keep it fun and Tex-Mex inspired by serving your spaghetti with buttery corn, a crisp green salad, or creamy guacamole. Garlic bread and tortilla chips both make fabulous vehicles for scooping up saucy leftovers. These simple pairings turn dinner into a full-on fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your presentation by twirling The Best Taco Spaghetti into individual pasta nests, or serve family-style right in the skillet for a rustic touch. Try mini taco spaghetti bowls made with baked tortilla cups for a playful appetizer twist—especially kid-approved!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover The Best Taco Spaghetti is just as tempting the next day! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it for later, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze the un-garnished dish. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or heat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep things saucy. Top with fresh cheese and your favorite garnishes to revive all the original flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for The Best Taco Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use linguine, rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. The main thing is to cook it just until al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make The Best Taco Spaghetti vegetarian by using plant-based ground “meat” or swapping in black beans, lentils, or even chopped mushrooms for the ground beef. Just adjust your seasoning as needed for plant-based proteins.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level comes mainly from the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild seasoning and opt for regular diced tomatoes instead. Conversely, spice-lovers can always toss in extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne!
Can I make The Best Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?
Definitely! This recipe is super meal-prep friendly. You can prep the sauce a day in advance or assemble everything except the cheese, then add cheese and reheat right before serving for ultra-melty results.
What cheese works best if I want to try something different?
While cheddar and Monterey Jack are melty classics, you can mix it up with pepper jack for some extra heat, or even add a sprinkle of queso fresco on top for a tangy bite. Cheese lovers can blend two or three types for maximum gooeyness!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-satisfying dish that brings both comfort and excitement to the table, The Best Taco Spaghetti will quickly earn a regular spot in your meal rotation. One pot, one happy family, and a Tex-Mex twist you’ll want to share with everyone. Give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!
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The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, this Taco Spaghetti is a quick and easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love. With seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice mix
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Spaghetti:
Ground Beef Mixture:
Cheese Topping and Garnish:
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onion, cook until beef is browned. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, toss to coat. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top. Cover and let sit until cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- For a baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
