If you’re craving something that brings together the zesty kick of tacos and the comforting soul of pasta, then this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Packed with bold flavors from seasoned ground beef and zesty Rotel tomatoes, combined with tender spaghetti noodles and a melty cheddar cheese finish, this dish is both exciting and incredibly satisfying. It’s an easy recipe that brings a fiesta to your table without complicated steps or long cook times, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy beef to the sharp cheddar, every component adds something special.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness to the dish.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that absorbs all the spices and juices perfectly.
- Yellow onions: Bring sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the meat.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic taco spices that spark flavor in every bite.
- Rotel tomatoes: Provide a vibrant, tangy punch balanced with a hint of heat.
- Spaghetti noodles: The unexpected pasta choice that soaks up all those amazing juices.
- Water: Needed to cook the pasta right in the skillet, melding everything together.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy bliss, giving the dish a luscious, cheesy finish.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal pop that brightens every forkful.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your 12-inch skillet over medium heat. This oil will create the perfect non-stick base and slightly infuse the beef with a lovely flavor as it browns.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Add 1 pound of ground beef and ¼ cup chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook everything until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, stirring occasionally to break up the meat and ensure even cooking. This step is where the rich foundation of your dish is built.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Ingredients
Sprinkle in ¼ cup of taco seasoning and add 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes along with the garlic-filled juices. Then pour in the uncooked 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles and 3 cups of water. Stir well so the seasoning is evenly distributed, and the noodles are submerged. This technique means the pasta will absorb all the taco flavors right in your skillet.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, giving the noodles time to soften while soaking up all the savory flavors. Keep an eye on it and stir once or twice to prevent sticking, making sure everything cooks evenly.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Cilantro
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, mix in half of the 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese along with ½ cup chopped cilantro on top for that vibrant, fresh finish just before serving. This finishing touch brings a wonderful melted creaminess balanced by herbal brightness.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, consider adding dollops of sour cream, slices of ripe avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice on top. Each of these garnishes enhances the Taco Spaghetti Recipe by adding contrast — cooling creamy textures or zesty brightness that lift the dish to the next level.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy tortilla chips make excellent companions to this dish. These sides add a refreshing crunch and balance out the richness of the cheesy, taco-seasoned spaghetti.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Taco Spaghetti Recipe in colorful bowls garnished with extra cilantro and cheese for a festive feel. You can also layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheddar and bake it for a golden crust that’s irresistible. Either way, presentation can make this humble dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, cool the dish completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it feels too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. The cheese might firm back up, but a little extra melting will bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe for a leaner option and still absorbs all the taco seasoning flavors beautifully.
Is Rotel tomatoes necessary?
You can substitute diced tomatoes with a pinch of chili flakes for heat if you don’t have Rotel on hand, but Rotel gives a unique tangy and mildly spicy kick that makes the dish authentically flavorful.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the spaghetti noodles for gluten-free pasta, and double-check your taco seasoning to ensure it’s gluten-free.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level comes mainly from the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes and tends to be mild to moderate. You can easily adjust it by choosing a milder seasoning or adding extra chili powder for more heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Throw in bell peppers, corn, or black beans when you add the seasoning to boost nutrition and flavor without changing the essence of the Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe will fast become a go-to dinner when you want something tasty, quick, and crowd-pleasing. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort with a twist of bold taco flair that’s fun to make and even better to eat. Give it a try soon and watch how it wins over everyone at your table!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan Taco Spaghetti recipe that combines ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and spaghetti noodles for a delicious Tex-Mex twist on classic pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil until hot and shimmering.
- Brown beef and onions: Add the ground beef and chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is fully browned and the onions have become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 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, mixing everything evenly in the skillet.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese and cilantro: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture until melted and combined. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese and the chopped cilantro on top just before serving for extra flavor and garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you like it spicier, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
