Taco Spaghetti Recipe

If you are craving something that perfectly blends the hearty comfort of spaghetti with the zesty, bold flavors of tacos, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender noodles swimming in a robust sauce made with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes with a kick, and just the right amount of cheese to bring everything together. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also a fun twist that brings variety to your weeknight dinners without complicating the cooking process.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing a delicious layer of flavor, texture, or color. These pantry-friendly items come together effortlessly, making this dish both accessible and crowd-pleasing.

• 12 ounces spaghetti: The perfect base, cooked al dente to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and the classic taco meat foundation.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté onions and garlic, adding richness and depth.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and crunch after being softened in the pan.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, savory lift to the dish.
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning): The star spice blend that brings authentic taco flavor.
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained: Boosts the sauce with fresh tomato tang and a little heat.
• 1 cup tomato sauce: Adds a smooth, rich tomato base to the sauce.
• 2 cups beef broth: Helps create a luscious sauce that marries all the ingredients.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the spaghetti, giving creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Offers a bright, herbal finish.
• Sour cream (optional, for serving): Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the seasoned beef and sauce.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the noodles will have a pleasing firmness that won’t get mushy once mixed with the saucy beef. Drain and set it aside, ready to be united with the rich taco-inspired sauce soon.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent, releasing their sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your taco sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy, ensuring the perfect texture for the sauce.

Step 4: Add Seasoning and Liquids

Now for that iconic taco flavor: sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it into the beef. Then pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti

Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot, folding the noodles into the savory sauce and beef mixture. This step makes sure each strand of spaghetti is coated with the zesty, meaty goodness that defines this Taco Spaghetti Recipe.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and stir it in until it melts completely, creating a deliciously creamy texture throughout the dish that everyone will love.

Step 7: Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve hot with sour cream on the side, if you like, for a cooling balance to the spices.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions adds a refreshing lift and beautiful contrast against the rich, cheesy sauce. A dollop of sour cream is a wonderful creamy touch that cools off the heat and adds a smooth texture.

Side Dishes

Serve with simple sides like a crisp green salad or tortilla chips for crunch. Mexican street corn or a fresh avocado salad can also complement the dish perfectly, adding color and balancing the spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Taco Spaghetti in individual mini cast-iron skillets or colorful bowls. You could also layer it in a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake it briefly for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the freshness of the beef and prevents the noodles from over-softening.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, slightly undercook the spaghetti initially to avoid mushiness after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to heat the cheese and beef evenly without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer a leaner protein. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked through and browned nicely for the best flavor.

Is there a vegetarian way to make this Taco Spaghetti Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or even sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly while still packing plenty of flavor.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is classic for its sharpness and melting quality, but you could also try a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack for some extra spice.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up well. Just make sure to use a pot large enough to give everything plenty of space, and adjust seasoning to taste, as sometimes doubling spices isn’t always a 1:1 ratio.

How spicy is this dish, and can I make it milder?

The heat mainly comes from the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. To make it milder, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount, and opt for regular diced tomatoes without chilies if you prefer less spice.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a joy to make and an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a plate. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and perfect for busy nights or casual dinners. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite comfort food mash-up!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion dish combining classic taco flavors with comforting spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features ground beef simmered in a spicy, flavorful sauce with diced tomatoes and taco seasoning, tossed with al dente pasta and finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti

Beef Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth

Finishing Touches

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the beef mixture.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
4. Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning until evenly distributed. Add undrained Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
5. Combine with Spaghetti: Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot, stirring to thoroughly coat the pasta with the taco beef sauce mixture.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve with sour cream on the side for an extra creamy touch.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and improve the nutritional profile of the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes.
• Can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable broth.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex