If you are craving something that combines the bold, zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting heartiness of pasta, you have to try The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe. This dish takes classic spaghetti noodles and transforms them with a vibrant taco-inspired sauce, creamy cheese, and that perfect hint of spice. It is easy to whip up on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve guests who enjoy a fun twist on familiar favorites. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and color to make the dish truly special and satisfying.
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles: The perfect base for soaking up all the taco-inspired sauce.
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty foundation with just the right fat content for flavor.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the meat evenly while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 can fire-roasted Rotel (with green chilis): Offers a smoky, tangy kick with a touch of heat from the chilis.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend): Brings all those classic taco spices together for that familiar savory taste.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and a deep umami flavor to the sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that rounds out the spices perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese adds a rich, tangy layer.
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and mild, it melts wonderfully and balances the cheddar.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and color.
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional): Adds fresh heat and crunch if you like a little extra spice.
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
How to Make The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which means they have a slight firmness when bitten. This ensures your pasta won’t get mushy once combined with the sauce. Drain the noodles well and set them aside, ready to absorb that flavorful taco mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Browning the beef properly is crucial because it builds flavor and texture. Once the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease, which keeps the dish from becoming too heavy.
Step 3: Layer in Taco Flavors
Now it’s time to infuse the beef with taco-seasoned goodness. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and fire-roasted Rotel with green chilis. Let these ingredients cook together for about two minutes. This step lets the spices bloom and the smoky roasted tomatoes meld into the beef, creating a sauce that’s rich and savory.
Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth
Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Letting the mixture cook for 5 minutes helps it thickens slightly, concentrating the flavors and creating a saucy consistency that will cling perfectly to your spaghetti.
Step 5: Add Cream and Pasta
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. The cream cuts through the spices and adds a velvety smooth texture. Then, fold in the cooked spaghetti noodles and toss well, making sure every strand is coated evenly with that luscious taco sauce.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of your skillet. Cover it with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the cheeses to melt into a bubbly, gooey blanket that brings even more richness and depth to the dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your masterpiece by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and, if you want some extra heat, sliced jalapeños. Serve this vibrant dish hot and watch it become an instant favorite for your family or guests.
How to Serve The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really make a difference with this dish. Cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness while jalapeño slices bring a crisp, spicy contrast. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to highlight the vibrant flavors even more.
Side Dishes
To complement the warmth and richness of The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa on the side. A light, fresh side helps balance the meal and keeps it exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual meal, try serving this taco spaghetti in individual skillet dishes or even edible tortilla bowls for an extra playful taco twist. You can also sprinkle additional cheese and cilantro at the table, inviting everyone to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully, so any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing, which helps preserve the texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it, covering the dish and stirring midway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or any pasta you love. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep them al dente.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious, vegetarian-friendly version of The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level is moderate, mostly coming from the taco seasoning and fire-roasted Rotel. You can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot seasoning packets and adding jalapeños to taste.
Can I make the taco seasoning from scratch?
Definitely! A simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper brings authentic flavor and allows you to control the seasoning precisely.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are perfect because they melt well and complement the flavors. You can also experiment with Pepper Jack for more spice or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Its vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and the ease of preparation make it an unbeatable combination. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings joy and comfort in every bite. So go ahead and treat yourself to this incredible fusion—the kitchen magic awaits!
Print
The Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
This Best Taco Spaghetti recipe is a flavorful fusion of classic Italian pasta and zesty taco-inspired ingredients. Featuring seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilis, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it offers a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti that’s quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for a family dinner or casual gatherings, this dish combines the comforting textures of pasta with the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can fire-roasted Rotel (with green chilis) (about 10 ounces)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add seasonings and tomato base: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and fire-roasted Rotel. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors and deepen the sauce.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and reduce slightly.
- Incorporate cream and pasta: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the cheese melts thoroughly and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and serve: Finally, garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of extra heat. Serve the taco spaghetti hot and enjoy this tasty blend of comfort foods!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to make a leaner version of this dish.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this recipe gluten free.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
