If you love the flavor punch of tacos but are craving something a little different and comforting, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the zest of taco seasoning with the familiar coziness of spaghetti creates a fun, vibrant dish that’s ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick yet bursting with flavor, and it feeds a crowd with ease. This Taco Spaghetti Recipe brings together the best of both worlds — savory, spicy, cheesy, and hearty — all in one skillet meal that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so irresistible.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the meat and onions while adding a subtle richness and smoothness to the dish.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the taco seasoning and tomato goodness.
- Yellow onions (¼ cup, chopped): Offer a mild sweetness and delicate crunch, elevating every bite.
- Taco seasoning (¼ cup or 1 packet): The secret spice blend that delivers the iconic taco flavor you crave.
- Rotel tomatoes (10 ounces): Tomatoes with a little kick of chopped green chilies that add both moisture and a lively zing.
- Spaghetti noodles (8 ounces, uncooked): The perfect pasta choice to capture the sauce and provide that satisfying, familiar noodle texture.
- Water (3 cups): Used to simmer the noodles and meld all flavors together seamlessly.
- Cheddar cheese (4 ounces, shredded): Melts into creamy pockets throughout the dish and adds a delightful sharpness on top.
- Cilantro (½ cup, chopped): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness and spices.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. The olive oil is your cooking foundation, creating a smooth surface to brown the meat perfectly while preventing anything from sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Add the ground beef and chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook them together until the beef is no longer pink and the onions become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. This creates a flavorful base loaded with savory aromas that set the stage for the entire dish.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Rotel Tomatoes
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning packet to infuse the beef and onions with that iconic, bold taco flavor. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, bringing both natural juiciness and a gentle kick of spice from the chilies. This mixture starts to come alive with layers of vibrant taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Spaghetti Noodles and Water
Pour in the uncooked spaghetti and 3 cups of water. This clever step allows the pasta to cook right in the flavorful sauce, absorbing all those delicious taco-infused juices. Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are submerged enough to cook evenly.
Step 5: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Turn the heat up until the mixture comes to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the noodles to soften and all the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering process brings the dish to life with a wonderful meld of textures and aromas.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Cilantro
Once the noodles are tender, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy texture throughout. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese and fresh chopped cilantro on top just before serving. This finishing touch adds gooey cheesiness and a burst of herbal freshness that makes the Taco Spaghetti Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are the final flourish that elevate your Taco Spaghetti Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Beyond the cheddar cheese and cilantro already incorporated, consider adding a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for heat, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Since this dish combines protein, carbs, and veggies all in one, simple side dishes work best. Crisp green salads with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted corn on the cob complement the taco flavors perfectly and provide a refreshing contrast of texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in mini cast iron skillets for single servings, or scoop it into halved bell peppers for a colorful, low-carb presentation. You can also top it with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch that mimics traditional taco shells.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, too! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months and can thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave with a splash of water to restore the sauce’s moisture. Add a little extra cheese or fresh cilantro on top after warming for a fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and season generously to boost flavor.
Is it okay to use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel?
Regular diced tomatoes work fine, but you’ll miss out on the mild heat from the green chilies in Rotel. You can add a pinch of chili powder or chopped jalapeños to replicate that spicy kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking times since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower depending on the brand.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese are great alternatives if you want a milder or spicier flavor. You could also use a dairy-free cheese to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans can be stirred in during the simmering step to make the meal even heartier and packed with extra nutrition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, comforting, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make but feels special, the Taco Spaghetti Recipe should be on your dinner roster ASAP. It’s perfect for family meals, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you want something that hits that cozy yet exciting flavor note. I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of classic taco seasoning with comforting spaghetti noodles, creating a delicious one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ground beef is browned with onions, simmered with Rotel tomatoes and pasta, then finished with melted cheddar and fresh cilantro for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, diced
Seasoning and Base
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
Toppings
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and onions.
- Brown beef and onions: Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is fully browned and the onions become translucent, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
- Add seasoning and ingredients: Stir in ¼ cup taco seasoning, 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes, 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles, and 3 cups of water to the skillet, mixing everything evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb flavors.
- Add cheese and cilantro: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the hot pasta mixture, letting it melt and blend in. Then, top the skillet with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro just before serving for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the taco seasoning.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or use lean beef.
- Make sure to cover the skillet during simmering to cook the spaghetti evenly without needing to pre-boil.
- Can easily be doubled or halved according to your serving needs.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
