Name: Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1/2 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or turkey, plant-based crumbles); 1 packet taco seasoning; 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 3 oz cream cheese, softened; 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.); Cilantro (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious mashup of two classic comfort foods, Taco Spaghetti is your dream dinner. This vibrant dish brings together all the zesty flavors of a taco—think spiced beef, tomatoes with green chiles, and a cozy blanket of melted cheese—tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti. Each creamy, cheesy bite has a spicy kick and builds layers of flavor, making it a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Taco Spaghetti earns its spot, coming together for an irresistible meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. From the aromatic onion and garlic to the creamy finish from cheese, each item plays a flavorful role while keeping things weeknight-friendly.

Olive oil or butter: Adds a rich, silky base for sautéing your aromatics and creating depth in every bite.
Onion: Diced onion infuses sweetness and savory notes that round out the taco profile.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punchy, fragrant warmth that makes the flavors pop.
Ground beef (or turkey, plant-based crumbles): The heart of the dish; richly seasoned for that essential taco goodness.
Taco seasoning: The not-so-secret weapon that instantly makes the whole dish taste like a taco night fiesta.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: For a juicy, tangy burst and just enough subtle heat to keep things interesting.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps everything meld together into a luscious sauce.
Tomato paste: Delivers a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Cream cheese (softened): The secret ingredient for a creamy, slightly tangy finish that feels luxurious but is so easy.
Spaghetti (cooked al dente): The pasta partner that soaks up all the zesty sauce without getting mushy.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.): Melts into the dish, binding everything together in a gooey, savory embrace.
Cilantro (optional, for garnish): Offers a fresh, herbal lift and a pop of color just before serving.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your spaghetti. Stir occasionally and cook just until al dente, so the noodles have a pleasant bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside—you want those noodles ready to soak up all the taco-infused goodness coming their way.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

While the pasta is bubbling away, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until it’s soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, letting the kitchen fill with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef (or your choice of protein) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s fully cooked, drain off any excess fat—you want flavor, not grease!

Step 4: Build the Taco Spaghetti Sauce

Time for the magic: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, and tomato paste. Add the softened cream cheese, stirring gently until it melts into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing those zesty, creamy flavors to combine.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and add your cooked spaghetti to the sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and toss everything together until the noodles are gloriously coated and the cheese has melted. It’s a vibrant, cheesy tangle you won’t be able to resist!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your Taco Spaghetti with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve right away, while the cheese is still melted and the aromas are completely irresistible.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

Garnishes are your chance to add a personal flourish! Sprinkle on extra shredded cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, a handful of sliced jalapeños, or plenty of freshly chopped cilantro. Each brings a fresh, lively twist that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Taco Spaghetti with a crisp green salad, creamy guacamole, or a side of charred corn for a vibrant, Tex-Mex-inspired meal. Warm tortillas or simple garlic bread also work wonders for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can transform this dish into a Taco Spaghetti casserole by spooning it into a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling until bubbly. Or serve smaller portions in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. Even taco bowls—yes, those crunchy, edible shells—can make fun serving vessels for this fusion favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Spaghetti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even deeper as they meld, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for busy nights, let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Taco Spaghetti gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally, and heat until steaming throughout—but not overcooked—for a just-like-fresh experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic and captures all the sauce, you can go with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free noodles if that’s your preference. Just keep the pasta al dente so it holds up to the hearty sauce.

What’s the best protein for Taco Spaghetti?

Ground beef offers rich, traditional flavor, but ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles create an equally satisfying result. Pick your favorite based on your dietary needs or what’s in your fridge.

Can I make Taco Spaghetti spicy?

Yes! Add extra diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy taco seasoning. You can also opt for a cheese with a peppery bite, like Pepper Jack, to turn up the heat.

What cheese should I use?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses are reliable choices, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Cotija for extra flavor.

Is Taco Spaghetti kid-friendly?

Definitely! The flavors are familiar and comforting—just keep the spice level in check. Kids often love the novelty of taco flavors with their favorite noodles, making this a family-friendly hit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that checks every box—easy, flavorful, utterly comforting—give Taco Spaghetti a try. This dish is guaranteed to spark smiles around the table, and you’ll love how quickly it becomes a new staple in your rotation. Enjoy every zesty, cheesy, noodle-packed forkful!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion of classic Italian pasta with bold Mexican flavors. This recipe combines tender spaghetti noodles with savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of creaminess from cream cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Onion: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add Seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, tomato paste, and softened cream cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream cheese melts.
Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat and toss the cooked spaghetti and shredded cheese with the beef mixture until fully coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve the Taco Spaghetti immediately.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese for a unique flavor twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion