If you’ve ever wished your favorite taco night could meet your beloved pasta dinner in a glorious, flavor-packed union, then this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. This dish effortlessly blends the hearty, savory vibe of seasoned ground beef with the cozy, satisfying texture of spaghetti, all dressed up with a vibrant mix of tomatoes, beans, and corn. It’s simple, quick, and utterly delicious in every bite, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to wow a crowd with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this Taco Spaghetti Recipe, it will sneak its way into your regular dinner rotation without missing a beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack bold taste and texture. Each element is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor—from the rich ground beef to the fresh pop of corn and the comforting cheese melt on top.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The classic pasta base holds all those taco-inspired flavors perfectly without overpowering them.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the beef and onion to perfection.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein powerhouse that brings savory richness and hearty texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth to balance the spices.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: The star seasoning that injects authentic taco flavor quickly and easily.
- 1 cup water: Used to simmer and meld spices evenly throughout the meat mixture.
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a zesty, mildly spicy kick and beautiful color.
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce: Provides a rich, saucy base to coat every strand of spaghetti.
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained): Brings a sweet crunch and bright contrast.
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds earthiness, fiber, and extra protein to the dish.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): These fresh toppings add herbal brightness and just the right amount of heat.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti just until al dente following package instructions. This ensures you get that perfect bite, not mushy, so it holds up well when mixed with the rich taco sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Brown the beef and soften onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, stirring frequently until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is tender and translucent. This step lays the savory foundation for the entire recipe. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling greasy and heavy.
Step 3: Add seasoning and liquids
Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix into the beef and pour in a cup of water. Stir well and let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes so the spices dissolve and start to infuse the meat with bold taco flavors.
Step 4: Mix in vegetables and simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn kernels, and black beans. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. This simmering step lets all the flavors mingle and meld into a deliciously saucy, hearty filling for your spaghetti.
Step 5: Combine spaghetti and cheese
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the vibrant taco sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and create that irresistible creamy layer that takes this taco spaghetti over the top.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touch is totally up to your taste — fresh cilantro will add a lovely herbal brightness, while sliced jalapeños bring a punch of heat. These garnishes not only elevate the look of your Taco Spaghetti Recipe but also add exciting layers of flavor and texture with every bite.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic tortilla chips for crunch work beautifully here. You could even serve it alongside some creamy guacamole or a dollop of sour cream to amp up the Mexican flair.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz it up for a party or family dinner? Serve the Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic look, or crumble crunchy tortilla chips on top for an extra textural surprise. You could also bake it topped with more cheese in a casserole dish for a bubbly finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, it freezes well. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers without cheese, then add the cheese fresh when reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months for a convenient, ready-made meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks too thick. Cover when reheating to keep the moisture in and stir occasionally for even warming. Add additional shredded cheese on top for a melty, indulgent finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make great alternatives if you prefer a leaner option or just want to mix things up. The taco seasoning will ensure the flavors remain bold and satisfying.
What can I do to make this dish spicier?
Use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, add sliced jalapeños as garnish, or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. These tweaks amp up the heat without overpowering the taco spaghetti’s balanced flavors.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The familiar and comforting flavors of pasta combined with mild taco seasonings make this dish a hit with kids. Adjust the spice level to keep it gentle if needed.
Can I bake this Taco Spaghetti Recipe?
You sure can! After mixing everything, transfer it to a casserole dish, top with extra cheddar cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden on top for a delicious twist.
What can I serve instead of spaghetti?
Try elbow macaroni, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a different texture and to switch things up while keeping that classic taco pasta vibe.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is one of those magical dishes that bring together the best of two beloved worlds—taco night and pasta dinner—in a way that feels both adventurous and completely comforting. Its ease, vibrant flavors, and hearty ingredients make it a total winner every time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home, just like it has for mine!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti, creating a delicious Mexican-American fusion dish. Ground beef is cooked with onions and taco seasoning, then simmered with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and black beans before being tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, this easy and flavorful meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Beef and Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Tomato and Vegetables: Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn kernels, and black beans to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños as desired before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- Use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add cayenne pepper if you prefer your dish spicier.
- This dish can also be transferred to a casserole dish, topped with additional cheese, and baked for a bubbly baked version.
