If you love the bold spices of Mexican food but also crave the comforting familiarity of pasta, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner. It’s a lively fusion that brings together seasoned ground beef, vibrant diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tender spaghetti all tossed in one skillet. Every bite is packed with bright flavors, a melty blanket of cheddar cheese, and just the right amount of texture from corn and black beans. It’s easy, family-friendly, and perfectly suited for those nights when you want something exciting but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish to sing is all about having the right, simple ingredients on hand. Each one plays a crucial role whether it’s adding a punch of flavor, a creamy texture, or a splash of color to this vibrant Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: Use any brand you love; this is the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the beef and soften the onions without any stickiness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that anchors this dish and carries the taco flavor spectacularly.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth that balance the spices perfectly.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: The star spice blend that transforms simple beef into something fiesta-ready.
- 1 cup water: Helps to simmer and marry the flavors into a luscious sauce.
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings a slight kick and bright red color, plus juicy freshness.
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and binds everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained): Adds a sweet crunch and bursts of golden color.
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts nutrition and provides a creamy, earthy contrast.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, savory goodness that makes this dish extra comforting.
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): Brings fresh brightness and a subtle heat at the finish.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by cooking your spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water just until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, which is key to holding up against the hearty sauce later. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside so it’s ready for the flavorful mix.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Next, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn translucent and soft. This step develops rich flavors and creates the savory base essential for the Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease before moving on.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in a cup of water to loosen the mix. Let this simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors bloom. Then stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn, and black beans. Lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes. This gentle cooking is where magic happens – the flavors marry and deepen into a luscious, saucy filling perfect for the pasta.
Step 4: Combine and Melt Cheese
Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that vibrant taco sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a rich, melty layer of cheesy goodness that ties the whole dish together.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeños are the perfect finishing touches for your Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Cilantro adds a fresh herbal pop that brightens every bite, while jalapeños lend a little playful heat. If you want to keep things mild, simply skip the jalapeños or add them on the side for guests to customize.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette or a scoop of guacamole and tortilla chips. The cool, crisp side dishes help balance out the warm, savory richness of the taco-flavored noodles for a well-rounded meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra fun twist, serve the taco spaghetti in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic presentation. You might also layer the mixture in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and bake it until bubbly and golden for a taco spaghetti bake variation that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually blend even more over time, making leftovers a delicious second meal without losing any of that fresh spice.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the corn and beans might change slightly. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep everything tasting fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Cover the pan to help melt the cheese again and maintain that gooey, comforting texture we all love in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make great lean alternatives that soak up the taco seasoning well, keeping the taste vibrant without losing any of the dish’s appeal.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild due to the green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can easily customize it to your preference by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure the taco seasoning is gluten-free. The recipe will still deliver all the flavor you expect.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different creamy texture and flavor profile.
Can I bake this dish?
Definitely! After tossing the pasta with the sauce, transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s a fun twist on the skillet version.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe has quickly earned a spot in my weekly dinner rotation because it’s incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. It combines the best of two worlds in one vibrant, cheesy, and flavorful meal. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a family favorite that everyone reaches for again and again.
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 for a delicious and hearty meal. Ground beef is cooked with onions, taco seasoning, tomatoes, corn, and black beans, then tossed with spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Garnished with fresh cilantro and jalapeños, this dish offers a fun Mexican-American twist that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
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 and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water, then simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta in the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a baked variation, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
