If you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner that’s loaded with bold flavor, comforting cheese, and a fun Tex-Mex twist, The Best Taco Spaghetti is your ticket to weeknight happiness. Imagine the classic coziness of spaghetti wrapped up with all the irresistible flavors of taco night—savory beef, zesty seasoning, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s quick, hearty, and so easy to pull together that you’ll want it in your regular rotation. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just looking to shake up pasta night, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for The Best Taco Spaghetti are delightfully straightforward, but each one brings something special to the table. From the rich, savory beef to the smoky taco seasoning and the gooey cheese, every bite is a burst of color, flavor, and texture that makes this recipe anything but ordinary.
- Spaghetti: The perfect base to soak up all the taco-seasoned goodness—try whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer!
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness and classic taco flavor; you can use ground turkey as a lighter option.
- Onion (diced): Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves boost the savoriness and make the sauce irresistible.
- Taco seasoning: The star of the show—use a packet for convenience or your favorite homemade blend for a personal touch.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a pop of tangy flavor to balance the spices.
- Tomato sauce: Brings everything together with a rich, velvety texture.
- Beef or chicken broth: Deepens the sauce and helps everything simmer into delicious harmony.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into a gooey, golden layer—don’t skimp!
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded): Adds creaminess and a mild kick to the cheesy topping.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): Lifts the whole dish with a fresh, herby finish.
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional): The ultimate finishing touches for creamy tang and extra spice—totally customizable.
How to Make The Best Taco Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you build the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Let them cook together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onion is soft and fragrant. This will take about 6-8 minutes and will fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of taco night.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute—just long enough to release its flavor without letting it burn. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning, then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything well so the flavors combine, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with your taco sauce. Use tongs or two big forks to toss everything together, making sure every strand of pasta is coated in that rich, savory sauce. This is where the magic really happens and The Best Taco Spaghetti comes to life!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a glorious, gooey layer. Remove from the heat, top with fresh cilantro, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve The Best Taco Spaghetti
Garnishes
The Best Taco Spaghetti is all about those finishing touches! I love a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy coolness, while sliced jalapeños bring a lively kick. Let everyone customize their own bowl for maximum fun and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair The Best Taco Spaghetti with crunchy tortilla chips and a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. If you want to lean into the Tex-Mex theme, serve some black beans or corn on the side for extra color and heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve The Best Taco Spaghetti in individual bowls with a toppings bar—think avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips. Leftovers can even be spooned into bell pepper halves and baked for a fun twist. Don’t be afraid to get playful with your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover The Best Taco Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze The Best Taco Spaghetti for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when you need a homemade meal in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes until steaming hot. If you’re reheating a larger batch, pop it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of broth if it looks a little dry, and top with fresh cheese for extra comfort.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Taco Spaghetti with chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives if you want a lighter version. The spices and sauce are so flavorful, you won’t miss the beef at all.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check that your taco seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.
How can I make The Best Taco Spaghetti spicier?
If you love heat, use a hot taco seasoning or add a chopped fresh chili to the beef and onion as they cook. You can also sprinkle on extra sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
What other toppings work well with this dish?
The possibilities are endless! Try diced avocado, black olives, green onions, or a squeeze of lime. Crushed tortilla chips on top add a delightful crunch, too.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Prepare The Best Taco Spaghetti as directed and store in individual containers. It reheats perfectly, making it a fantastic choice for lunches or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
The Best Taco Spaghetti is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with Tex-Mex flair that will have you coming back for seconds. Give it a try and discover just how fun and delicious spaghetti night can be!
Print
The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
The Best Taco Spaghetti is a delightful Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish combining classic taco flavors with hearty spaghetti. Ground beef, seasoned with taco spices and simmered with tomatoes and broth, is tossed with al dente spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Garnished with fresh cilantro and optionally served with sour cream and jalapeños, this easy weeknight meal offers bold flavors and comforting textures that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sour cream for serving
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for serving
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine seasonings and liquids: Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and broth to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and flavors meld.
- Toss spaghetti with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat all the pasta with the flavorful sauce.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the spaghetti. Cover the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the cover, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with optional sour cream and sliced jalapeños on the side for added creaminess and heat.
Notes
- For added texture and nutrition, consider adding black beans or corn during the simmering step.
- To make it spicier, use hot taco seasoning or add fresh chopped chili peppers with the garlic.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop for easy next-day meals.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
