If you love the bold flavors of tacos but crave the comfort of pasta, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is here to become your new go-to meal. It brilliantly fuses the zestiness of taco seasoning and salsa with tender spaghetti, creating a vibrant dish that bursts with comforting, spicy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this recipe perfectly balances ease and excitement, making dinner feel like a celebration without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Each element plays an important role—from the rich, savory ground beef to the fresh herbs that add a bright finish. Keep things simple and fresh to bring out the best flavors and textures in this easy dish.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: Use your favorite brand and make sure it’s cooked al dente for the perfect pasta texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the beef and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a great balance of flavor and less grease.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Instantly elevates the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: The heart of the dish, infusing those iconic taco spices.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps the seasoning meld into a rich sauce without being too thick.
- 1 cup salsa: Brings tangy tomato goodness and extra flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess to balance out the spicy kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, giving a gooey, cheesy topping everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion crunch.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Offers a bright herbal finish that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente—meaning it still has a bit of bite. Drain it well and set it aside; this pasta will soak up all the delicious taco flavors later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s evenly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Browning the meat thoroughly builds that deep savory foundation we love in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This step brings a wonderful aroma and sweetness that balances the spicy flavors ahead.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Water
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and add 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the seasoning turns into a thick, flavorful sauce that will coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in Salsa and Pasta
Pour in the salsa along with your cooked spaghetti. Mix everything well so each strand of pasta is enveloped in that zesty taco sauce, marrying the best of both worlds into one fantastic dish.
Step 6: Incorporate Sour Cream
Turn the heat down low, then stir in the sour cream until the sauce is silky smooth and creamy. This little addition tames the spice and elevates the texture, making the dish irresistible.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the skillet. Let it melt gently for 1 to 2 minutes, creating a bubbly, golden cheesy blanket that’s just begging to be devoured.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast. Your Taco Spaghetti Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and cilantro are classic finishing touches that bring brightness and a touch of crunch. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to really wake up the flavors and add a cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or some warm tortilla chips to scoop up every last bit. Mexican-style corn or a light avocado salad also make fantastic companions for this hearty, flavorful pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve Taco Spaghetti in individual bowls topped with extra shredded cheese and chopped veggies. Or, transform it into a layered casserole by mixing everything in a baking dish, topping with cheese, and broiling for a cheesy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Taco Spaghetti Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best quality.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover taco spaghetti in a freezer-safe container. For optimal texture and taste, freeze in portions and consume within 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too—cover the dish to retain moisture and heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works perfectly with the taco seasoning and keeps the dish flavorful without extra fat.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choices. For milder versions, use mild taco seasoning and a mild salsa or reduce the amount slightly.
Can I make Taco Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just swap out the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or cooked lentils and adjust seasoning as needed. It’s just as delicious and hearty!
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is traditional and melts nicely, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a Mexican blend for extra flavor.
Can I prepare this in advance for a large group?
You can cook the pasta and meat mixture ahead of time, then combine and melt the cheese just before serving to keep it fresh and cheesy for your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe effortlessly brings together two beloved dishes into one comforting, flavorful meal that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any night when you want dinner to feel special without the hassle. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight hero!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful fusion dish combining classic Mexican taco flavors with hearty spaghetti pasta. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is simmered in a savory salsa sauce, then mixed with cooked spaghetti and creamy sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, and cilantro, this easy skillet meal serves 4 and comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until the onion softens, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and water: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning along with 1/2 cup of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Mix in salsa and spaghetti: Add the salsa and the drained spaghetti to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the taco meat sauce.
- Incorporate sour cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream to add a creamy texture and balance the spicy flavors.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt for 1-2 minutes while the skillet remains on low heat.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro, then serve immediately for a delicious taco-inspired pasta meal.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy taco seasoning depending on your preferred heat level.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for additional vegetables and texture.
- If you prefer, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave within 2 days.
