Name: Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that offers the heartiness of Italian comfort food and the zesty kick of Tex-Mex, Taco Spaghetti is about to become your new obsession. Imagine perfectly tender noodles coated in a cheesy, creamy sauce brimming with bold taco spices, savory beef, and bright tomatoes with green chiles—then finished with a tumble of gooey cheese and fresh cilantro. With minimal prep and pantry-staple ingredients, this one-pan wonder will delight everyone at the table. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, Taco Spaghetti delivers all the flavor and happiness you crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in Taco Spaghetti are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a unique role in making this dish irresistible. From the savory protein to those colorful garnishes, it’s truly a celebration of tastes and textures.

Olive oil or butter: A rich base for sautéing your aromatics and building flavor from the very first step.
Onion (diced): Adds undeniable sweetness and depth to balance those bold taco spices.
Garlic (minced): Lends a punchy aroma and subtle kick that brings all the flavors together.
Ground beef (or turkey, plant-based crumbles): The heart of Taco Spaghetti, providing delicious protein and meaty texture.
Taco seasoning: The magic blend that delivers that signature Tex-Mex zest; use your favorite packet or mix your own.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Offer juicy tang, a pop of color, and just the right amount of heat.
Beef broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce luscious and full-bodied; swap in veggie broth for a plant-based approach.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving your sauce extra richness and color.
Cream cheese (softened): The not-so-secret ingredient for creaminess and a hint of tang.
Spaghetti (cooked al dente): Clings beautifully to the sauce, offering satisfying texture in every bite.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.): Melts into oozy perfection and boosts every forkful with cheesy goodness.
Cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds fresh, herbal brightness to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Prep the Spaghetti

Begin by cooking your spaghetti just until it’s al dente—it should still have a gentle bite. This will keep it from turning mushy once it gets tossed with your luscious taco sauce. Be sure to drain the noodles well and set them aside, so they’re ready for the star treatment.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Next, heat up your olive oil or butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and let it sizzle for about 3–4 minutes until it goes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, and let everything mingle for another minute. This short step makes the kitchen smell amazing and kicks off all the best flavors in Taco Spaghetti.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef (or turkey or plant-based alternative), breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until it’s no longer pink, then drain away any excess fat. This gives your sauce a rich foundation and ensures nothing is too greasy down the line.

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Now comes the fun part: sprinkle in your taco seasoning, then stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, tomato paste, and the softened cream cheese. Let everything bubble gently for 2–3 minutes until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes beautifully creamy and cohesive. This step is what truly differentiates Taco Spaghetti and makes it crave-worthy.

Step 5: Combine and Make it Cheesy

With the flavorful sauce ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Add in your cooked spaghetti and a generous handful of shredded cheese. Toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated and the cheese is melt-in-your-mouth delicious with every twirl.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish it all off with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro if you like an herbal kick, and serve immediately while everything is rich, gooey, and warm. Get ready for happy, satisfied faces at your table!

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

Treat your Taco Spaghetti like the masterpiece it is by adding a scatter of chopped cilantro or even green onions for a pop of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños can dial up the Tex-Mex vibes, and if you have fresh tomatoes or avocado, don’t be shy—add them!

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with simple sides that echo the flavors of Taco Spaghetti: try crisp tortilla chips, a light corn salad, or a zesty green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. A bowl of black beans or Mexican rice can also make for a heartier feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with presentation! Spoon your Taco Spaghetti into a large serving platter for family style, or twirl into individual bowls for an easy weeknight dinner. For game day or a party, serve it in mini cups as a twist on classic spaghetti bites—just add festive toothpicks or tiny forks and watch the smiles roll in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Taco Spaghetti (lucky you!), simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making lunches and dinners extra easy.

Freezing

Taco Spaghetti freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure everything is tightly sealed. Pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm larger portions gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen things up. Stir occasionally and heat until it’s piping hot and the cheese is creamy again—practically as perfect as the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti gives this dish its signature look and twirl, you can swap in rotini, penne, or any pasta shape you love. Just cook to al dente before adding to the sauce.

What proteins work best for Taco Spaghetti?

Ground beef is the classic choice, but ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work deliciously. The taco seasoning and creamy sauce make this recipe very flexible and forgiving.

Can I make Taco Spaghetti in advance?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and spaghetti separately up to a day ahead. Just give everything a quick toss and gentle reheat before serving—add a bit of extra cheese if you like for a fresh gooey finish.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level really depends on your taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chiles you choose. For less heat, select a mild seasoning and tomatoes without extra chiles; for a kick, go bold!

Is Taco Spaghetti gluten-free?

It can be! Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free noodles, and double-check your taco seasoning to make sure it has no hidden gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Taco Spaghetti is a favorite in so many kitchens—bold flavors, creamy cheese, and a hint of nostalgia all rolled into one bowl. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll land right at the top of your weeknight dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this fun, flavorful twist!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish combining the flavors of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until soft, 3-4 mins. Add garlic and cook for 1 min longer.
Cook the Meat: Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 5-7 mins. Drain excess fat.
Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and cream cheese. Cook for 2-3 mins until the cream cheese melts.
Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and toss with cooked spaghetti and shredded cheese until fully coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican