If you love the bold flavors of Mexican food combined with the comforting satisfaction of pasta, you are going to be head over heels for Taco Spaghetti. This delightful dish takes the beloved elements of a taco — seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melty cheese — and mingles them with tender spaghetti noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. Taco Spaghetti offers a unique twist that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into an exciting culinary adventure, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to a mouthwatering Taco Spaghetti. Each component adds a special touch, whether it’s the savory depth of beef, the slight sweetness of onions, or the vibrant kick from the salsa. These essentials work together to create a dish that’s balanced, colorful, and packed with layers of flavor.

Ground beef: Provides rich, hearty protein and a satisfying texture.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch when diced perfectly.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant, savory punch when minced fresh.
Taco seasoning: Infuses warm, smoky spices that define the taco essence.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Offer juicy acidity and a burst of freshness.
Chunky salsa: Adds extra flavor complexity and a little heat, depending on your preference.
Beef broth: Creates a flavorful base and keeps the spaghetti moist and tender.
Spaghetti: The pasta base that soaks up all those delicious flavors beautifully.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into creamy goodness that ties everything together.
Cilantro: A fresh, herbal garnish that brightens every bite.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions

Start by cooking the ground beef and diced yellow onion in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. You want the beef to brown nicely while the onion softens and releases its natural sweetness, which perfectly complements the robust beef flavor. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease so your dish stays rich but not greasy.

Step 2: Flavor It Up with Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Once your beef and onion are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook it just long enough to awaken its aroma—about a minute. Then sprinkle in the taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly so every bit of meat gets coated with those irresistible southwestern spices that bring Taco Spaghetti to life.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes, Salsa, and Broth

Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juice, the chunky salsa that gives this dish its signature kick, and the beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a lively boil. This step is crucial as it blends all the flavors, forming a rich, aromatic cooking liquid for the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Break the spaghetti in half if it doesn’t fit snugly and add it to the boiling mixture in a crisscross pattern. Press the noodles down beneath the liquid’s surface, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure to stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and help the noodles absorb all that delicious broth.

Step 5: Finish with Melty Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Adding it little by little helps the cheese melt smoothly, enveloping the spaghetti in a creamy, luscious sauce. This cheesy finish is what takes Taco Spaghetti from tasty to unforgettable.

Step 6: Garnish and Bring It to the Table

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a bright, herbal finish that balances the rich flavors. Now, it’s ready to serve and watch everyone dive in enthusiastically!

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

While fresh cilantro is a lovely classic, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado for creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spiced beef. A squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds a fresh, tangy zing.

Side Dishes

To round out your Taco Spaghetti dinner, consider simple sides like a crisp green salad, homemade guacamole with tortilla chips, or roasted Mexican street corn. These accompaniments provide refreshing textures and flavors that complement the rich pasta without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve Taco Spaghetti in individual bowls lined with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. Alternatively, turn it into a baked casserole by sprinkling extra cheese on top and broiling until golden and bubbly. This variation offers a delightful contrast in textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Spaghetti keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, it reheats conveniently without losing its delicious taste.

Freezing

You can freeze Taco Spaghetti if you want to save it for later. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just note that the texture of the spaghetti might soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain truly satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftover Taco Spaghetti gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to restore the saucy texture. Microwave reheating also works well—cover and heat in short increments, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works well with taco seasoning and still absorbs all the rich flavors in Taco Spaghetti.

What if I want it spicier?

Feel free to use a spicier salsa or add extra taco seasoning with chili powder and cayenne pepper. Fresh jalapeños on top also give it a nice kick.

Is there a vegetarian version of Taco Spaghetti?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it meat-free.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Just substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go! Just keep an eye on your taco seasoning to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Why does the pasta sometimes stick together?

Stirring every 5 minutes during cooking is key to preventing the noodles from sticking. Also, arranging the spaghetti crisscrossed and fully submerged in the liquid helps cook them evenly without clumping.

Final Thoughts

Taco Spaghetti is that wonderfully creative, no-fuss dish that combines the best of two worlds, taco and pasta, into one irresistibly tasty meal. If you’re searching for a fun twist on family dinner or a new favorite for weeknights, you’ve found it. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and make Taco Spaghetti your own; it’s always a hit and never fails to bring a smile to the table!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal that combines the bold spices of taco seasoning with the comfort of classic spaghetti pasta. Ground beef is simmered with onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth, creating a rich and savory sauce in which the spaghetti cooks directly. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Author: rami
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking, Simmering
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Cook ground beef and onion: In a large Dutch oven or pot with a lid, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in garlic and taco seasoning: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to evenly coat the meat and onions with the spices.
Add tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth; bring to boil: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chunky salsa, and beef broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.
Add spaghetti and cook: Once boiling, add the spaghetti. If necessary, break the spaghetti in half to fit it into the pot and arrange it in a crisscross pattern for even cooking. Press the noodles under the liquid, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cover the pot. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cover the pot again after each stir.
Remove from heat and stir in cheese: When the spaghetti is tender and the sauce is thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring it in a little at a time until fully melted and smooth throughout the dish.
Garnish and serve: Spoon the taco spaghetti into bowls and garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and increasing or decreasing the taco seasoning accordingly.
If desired, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Stirring the pasta regularly while cooking prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
This dish can be made in advance and reheated; add extra cheese when reheating if needed for creaminess.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular spaghetti.