Get ready to fall in love with an exciting twist on two favorite comfort foods with this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It perfectly blends the bold, savory flavors of taco seasoning and melted cheese with the familiar heartiness of spaghetti, making dinnertime incredibly satisfying and super fun. Whether you want a meal that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, or just a little unexpected, this dish brings everything you love about tacos into a cozy pasta bowl that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Taco Spaghetti Recipe truly memorable. Each one plays a vital role, from the tender spaghetti noodles to the creamy Velveeta that creates a luscious sauce.
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti: This is the comforting base that carries all the bold taco flavors.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds just enough richness to prevent sticking and helps cook the beef evenly.
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef: The hearty protein that’s perfect for soaking up taco spices.
- ½ yellow onion (diced): Gives a subtle sweetness and a little bite to balance the richness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a warm, aromatic depth to every bite.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons): The magic mix that turns simple beef into taco-flavored goodness.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies (1 can): Adds moisture, tang, and a mild kick of heat—Rotel brand works wonderfully.
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the sauce rich and savory without overwhelming saltiness.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 4 ounces Velveeta cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes): Creates a creamy, melty sauce base that’s absolutely irresistible.
- 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and melty texture right at the finish.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): A fresh, herbaceous pop that brightens each serving beautifully.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling the spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente according to the package instructions. This is the foundation of your dish, so be sure not to overcook it. Once done, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful taco beef mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Beef with Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until the meat is fully browned and the onion has turned translucent. This step builds the savory backbone of your taco spaghetti experience.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef mixture evenly. Cooking this for another minute releases those gorgeous taco spices, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma that will have everyone excited for dinner.
Step 4: Simmer in Tomatoes and Cheese
Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, tomato paste, and the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously as the Velveeta melts and combines with the other ingredients, creating a rich, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of spicy and tangy flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheddar
Finally, toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly until that cheese melts into gooey perfection. Your Taco Spaghetti Recipe is now ready to be garnished and enjoyed—let the fiesta begin!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness with wonderful herbal notes. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheddar or even some sliced jalapeños to kick things up a notch for friends who love spice.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, fresh tortilla chips for crunch, or a Mexican street corn-inspired side to keep the Tex-Mex vibe going strong. A side of guacamole or salsa also complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, edible bowl. You can also layer it in a casserole dish and top with extra cheese for a baked version that’s perfect for potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the pasta might soften slightly. Freeze in portion-sized containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for best flavor. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to help retain creaminess and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and that melty cheese goodness remains intact.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The taco seasoning and cheese will still deliver that fantastic taco flavor.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have Velveeta?
Velveeta melts uniquely creamy, but you can substitute with processed cheese slices or a combination of cream cheese and mild cheddar melted together for a similar texture and flavor.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the canned tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. You can control heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning or adding extra fresh jalapeños when serving.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Spaghetti works best for sauce cling and presentation, but feel free to try elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini for a fun variation that holds onto the sauce well.
How long does this meal take to prepare?
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe comes together quickly, with just 10 minutes prep and around 20 minutes cooking time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute family dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavor, comfort, and a little bit of fun, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a total winner. It’s a fantastic way to shake up your usual dinner routine, and I promise it will become one of those recipes you keep coming back to. Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s delicious, easy to make, and truly satisfying.
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 bowls)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of classic taco seasoning with comforting spaghetti, creating a quick and hearty one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef is cooked with onion and garlic, then simmered with tomatoes, broth, and cheeses to form a creamy, cheesy sauce. Tossed with spaghetti and garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish is a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian influences.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces dry spaghetti
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies (1 can, such as Rotel)
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
Cheeses
- 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the beef mixture: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully cooked and onions are translucent, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to layer the flavors.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, low-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Cook and stir continuously until the Velveeta melts and the sauce is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Toss everything together until the cheddar melts and the spaghetti is evenly coated with the cheesy taco sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if desired. Serve the taco spaghetti warm in bowls and enjoy this flavorful fusion comfort dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease in the sauce.
- Velveeta cheese provides the creamy texture; you can substitute with cream cheese for a different consistency.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
- To keep it gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
