This outrageously delicious Taco Spaghetti combines two family favorites into one unforgettable meal that will have everyone rushing to the table. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The familiar taco flavors blend beautifully with tender spaghetti for a comforting dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup time after dinner.
Family Favorite: The combination of classic taco flavors with beloved spaghetti creates a dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
Customizable: Easily adapted to your family’s preferences with various toppings and add-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The protein backbone of our dish, providing rich flavor and hearty texture. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Spaghetti Noodles: The unexpected twist in this taco-inspired meal. They soak up all the amazing flavors as they cook directly in the sauce.
Taco Seasoning: The flavor powerhouse that transforms simple ingredients into taco goodness. Use store-bought for convenience or make your own blend for more control over spice levels.
Rotel Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chilies bring instant flavor and a touch of heat. Don’t drain them – the liquid contributes to the cooking liquid for the pasta.
Onions: Add sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow onions work best, but white or red can substitute in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and adds a subtle richness to the final dish.
Water: Helps cook the pasta directly in the pan, allowing it to absorb all those amazing flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: Creates that gooey, melty texture we all love. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but medium works well too.
Cilantro: Brings a fresh, bright finish to the dish. If you’re in the cilantro-tastes-like-soap camp, substitute with green onions.

Variations

Protein Options

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Chorizo makes an exceptionally flavorful substitute if you want to amp up the spice level.

Pasta Possibilities

While spaghetti creates the classic look, this recipe works beautifully with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowties. Just maintain the same pasta weight for consistent results.

Add-in Ideas

Black beans or pinto beans: Add a drained can for extra protein and fiber
Corn kernels: Toss in a cup of frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking
Bell peppers: Dice and sauté with the onions for extra color and vegetables
Avocado: Add diced avocado as a topping for creamy richness

Dairy Alternatives

Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar. For a creamier finish, stir in a couple tablespoons of sour cream just before serving.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onions, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Pasta

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned meat and stir to coat evenly. Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes, uncooked spaghetti noodles, and water to the skillet. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.

Step 3: Simmer

Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the pasta.

Step 4: Add Cheese

After the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pan and stir to distribute it throughout the pasta mixture, creating a creamy texture.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Top the pasta with the remaining cheese and cover for 1-2 minutes to allow it to melt. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Pasta: For a nuttier flavor, break the spaghetti into thirds and toast it in the pan for about 2 minutes before adding the liquids.
Perfect Pasta Texture: Check the pasta a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends. The exact time needed can vary based on your stove and pasta brand.
Seasoning Balance: Taste before adding the cheese and adjust seasonings if needed. Some taco seasoning brands are saltier than others.
Even Cooking: Break the spaghetti noodles in half before adding them to the pan for more even cooking and easier serving.
Liquid Ratio: If the mixture seems too dry during cooking, add a splash more water. If it’s too wet at the end, uncover and cook for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.

How to Serve

Classic Taco Toppings

Serve with traditional taco fixings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa.

Side Dish Pairings

A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
Mexican street corn
Black bean and corn salad
Warm tortilla chips with queso dip

Make It a Feast

For larger gatherings, serve alongside enchiladas, quesadillas, or a big bowl of guacamole and chips for a Mexican-inspired feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled taco spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the spices meld together.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave reheating works too – cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

If the pasta seems dry when reheating, add a small splash of water or broth and a sprinkle of cheese to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free spaghetti works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. You might also need to adjust the liquid slightly as some gluten-free pastas absorb differently than traditional wheat pasta.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?
This recipe has a mild to medium heat level depending on your taco seasoning and the type of Rotel tomatoes you use. For a milder version, choose “mild” Rotel and reduce the taco seasoning to 2-3 tablespoons. To crank up the heat, use “hot” Rotel, add diced jalapeños, or mix in a dash of cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of plant-based meat alternative, or use two cans of beans (black beans, pinto beans, or a mix) instead. You could also add finely chopped mushrooms, walnuts, and cauliflower for a meaty texture without the meat.

My family doesn’t like cilantro. What can I use instead?
Fresh parsley makes an excellent substitute for cilantro in this recipe. You could also use sliced green onions, chives, or simply omit the herb garnish altogether. The dish will still be delicious without it!

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti recipe truly delivers the best of both worlds – the comfort of pasta with the bold, exciting flavors of taco night! It’s become my go-to when I need a quick, satisfying meal that makes everyone happy. The beauty lies in its simplicity and flexibility – make it your own with your family’s favorite toppings and enjoy the minimal cleanup afterward. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous food lovers, this fusion dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe