If you are craving a comforting dish that perfectly blends the bold flavors of taco seasoning with the satisfying texture of pasta, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines spicy, cheesy goodness with tender spaghetti noodles, delivering a vibrant twist on two classic favorites. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a fantastic weeknight meal that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each chosen for their contribution to the dish’s rich flavor profile and satisfying texture. From the hearty ground beef and spice-infused taco seasoning to the creamy cheese blend, every component plays a crucial role.
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles: Provides the perfect base with a tender but firm bite.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Adds robust protein and meaty richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the beef and adding subtle depth.
- 1 can fire-roasted Rotel (with green chilis): Brings a smoky, slightly spicy tomato kick.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend): Infuses the dish with the iconic taco spices that define the recipe.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides a savory base to create a luscious sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds creamy smoothness that balances the spice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and a nice melty texture.
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a mild, buttery creaminess for perfect cheese melt.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh herby notes.
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional): A fresh hit of heat to customize your spice level.
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti noodles until they are perfectly al dente. This ensures they hold up beautifully when mixed with the rich taco sauce later, offering the ideal chewy contrast.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until nicely browned, making sure to break up the meat with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Draining excess grease after browning ensures a cleaner, less oily dish.
Step 3: Build the Taco Flavor Base
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet (or your homemade mix), and stir in the tomato paste and fire-roasted Rotel. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, allowing all those fantastic flavors to meld into the beef—this step is where the magic really starts coming together.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and bring your taco meat mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for around 5 minutes, which helps the sauce reduce and thicken just enough to cling enticingly to the pasta and beef.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Pasta
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Then add your cooked spaghetti, tossing everything to coat the noodles completely in that rich, spicy sauce. This creamy step balances the heat and brings a luscious texture that turns the dish into pure comfort food.
Step 6: Melt the Cheeses
Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes, creating an irresistible gooey layer that makes this Taco Spaghetti Recipe all the more indulgent.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like an extra kick. Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty, and prepare to enjoy a mouthwatering fusion of favorite flavors.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise. Bright cilantro adds a lovely herbal brightness, while sliced jalapeños bring a fresh, spicy punch that complements the creamy taco sauce. For an even richer touch, a dollop of sour cream or diced avocado works wonders.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider fresh tortilla chips and salsa or a light, crisp side salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. Cornbread or roasted Mexican street corn also pairs beautifully, creating a festive and balanced spread that complements your Taco Spaghetti Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large skillet for a casual, cozy vibe, or dress it up by plating individual servings with vibrant garnishes and a sprinkle of extra cheese. For a fun twist, try spooning it into crispy taco shells or serving it as a layered casserole baked with extra cheese on top for a bubbly golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Spaghetti stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it an even tastier next-day meal option.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften somewhat after freezing and thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat Taco Spaghetti gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and keep those cheesy, spicy flavors perfectly balanced.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and adjust the seasonings accordingly. The taco seasoning and creamy sauce will still create a delicious, hearty dish.
What kind of taco seasoning works best?
Either a store-bought packet or a homemade blend works great. If making your own, include chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of oregano to really capture that classic taco flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a gentle warmth from the Rotel and taco seasoning, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or choosing a hotter chili variety. The heavy cream also helps mellow any extra spice.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Sure thing! While spaghetti is the classic choice here, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni can work well if you want a different texture or bite to the dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap out regular spaghetti noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the taco seasoning ingredients as some blends may contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is truly a delightful way to mix up your weeknight dinners with familiar flavors served in a fun new form. It’s easy to make, richly satisfying, and has that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy a new weeknight favorite that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
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Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best Taco Spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion of classic Italian pasta and bold Mexican flavors. Tender spaghetti noodles are tossed in a rich, creamy taco-seasoned beef sauce, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro and optional jalapeños for a spicy kick. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that brings family-favorite Mexican ingredients to a comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles
Meat & Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can fire-roasted Rotel (with green chilis)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sauté, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and fire-roasted Rotel with green chilis. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and deepen.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes, which helps the sauce thicken slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Add Cream and Combine Pasta: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles back into the skillet and toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cover, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeño if you like a bit of heat. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or sour cream for a lighter creamy texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
