Taco Spaghetti Recipe

If you love the flavors of taco night as much as you adore the ease and comfort of a big bowl of pasta, wait until you meet Taco Spaghetti. This dish takes everything wonderful about a taco—savory ground meat, zesty seasoning, tangy tomatoes, and shredded cheese—and swirls it all together with perfectly cooked noodles in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The result is a lively, crowd-pleasing meal that feels both familiar and just a little bit wild. Taco Spaghetti is bold, satisfying, and destined to become a go-to weeknight favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how truly simple, yet deeply flavorful, Taco Spaghetti is. Each ingredient brings something special to the table: from colorful veggies to creamy cheese, every addition is there to give you the best taste, texture, and that irresistible taco vibe.

• Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps saute the vegetables to golden perfection.
• Onion (diced): Brings mellow sweetness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Infuses everything with irresistible aroma and depth.
• Ground beef (or turkey, plant-based crumbles): The heart of the dish, providing hearty flavor and protein.
• Taco seasoning: Provides classic taco zest with just the right kick of spice.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Lend juicy brightness and a touch of southwest flair.
• Beef broth: Infuses the sauce with robust, savory notes and helps everything meld smoothly.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, thickens the sauce, and adds gorgeous color.
• Cream cheese (softened): Creamy, tangy, and dreamy—the secret to a luscious sauce.
• Spaghetti (cooked al dente): The Italian twist that turns taco filling into a twirlable feast.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.): Melts into gooey, golden goodness that ties everything together.
• Cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling your spaghetti in a large pot of salted water. Cook it until it’s just al dente—you want the noodles tender but still with a pleasant bite, because they’ll soak up flavor later. Once cooked, drain and set aside, ready for taco magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil or butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften and turn fragrant, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for the last minute—just until it’s wonderfully aromatic, but not browned.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add your ground beef, turkey, or plant-based protein to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until there’s no pink left, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any extra fat, go ahead and drain it off to keep your sauce rich but not greasy.

Step 4: Build the Taco Sauce

To the beef and veggies, add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir in the softened cream cheese and mix until it melts fully into the sauce, which takes just 2-3 minutes. You’ll see it become irresistibly creamy and perfectly spiced.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Take the skillet off the heat and add the cooked spaghetti straight in. Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and toss everything together until those noodles are totally coated in cheesy taco sauce. The cheese should melt and meld into the sauce, giving you that gooey, stretchy texture that’s pure comfort.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, scatter some fresh cilantro on top if you like a dash of herbal freshness. Serve it piping hot so you get the full effect of the melty cheese and creamy sauce.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

Taco Spaghetti is already glorious as it is, but pops of freshness and crunch can make it extra special. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, fresh diced tomatoes, a squeeze of lime, or sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat. A dollop of sour cream or a crumble of cotija cheese sends it right over the top.

Side Dishes

This is a hearty main dish, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Consider a crunchy romaine salad with avocado, some sweet corn, or even classic tortilla chips for scooping up any saucy bits. If you really want to keep things festive, refried beans or black bean salad are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Taco Spaghetti is a stunner in a big family-style bowl, but you can easily make it fun for a party. Try serving smaller portions in individual ramekins, or bake it in a casserole for a bubbly, golden-topped twist. For a playful touch, pile servings into taco shells or bell pepper boats for a mash-up feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Taco Spaghetti left (trust me, that’s rare!), let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps happily for up to 3 days and can make a super easy lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

Taco Spaghetti may be frozen, but it’s best to do so before you’ve added the cheese and cilantro garnish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, cool totally, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and finish with cheese once it’s hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, just pop your spaghetti in the microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened up. Sprinkle a bit of fresh cheese on top to bring back that melty magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for Taco Spaghetti, you can use penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you love. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up to the sauce.

Is there a vegetarian version of Taco Spaghetti?

Definitely. Swap in plant-based crumbles for the ground beef, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the iconic taco flavor without the meat.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar works beautifully, but you can also try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for something different. Mix and match to find your perfect cheesy combo!

Can I make Taco Spaghetti ahead for a crowd?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then toss together with cheese right before serving. You can also assemble the whole dish in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake it to heat through before your guests arrive.

How spicy is Taco Spaghetti?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer things milder, choose mild varieties and add just a touch of seasoning. For heat lovers, feel free to kick it up with extra jalapeños or a spicier blend.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, joy-filled dinner that delivers on comfort and taco flair, Taco Spaghetti is just the thing. There’s nothing quite like twirling cheesy, saucy noodles and tasting those bold taco spices in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your house—give it a try and get ready for lots of happy bellies!

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