This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a combination of everything you love about tacos and spaghetti all served up in one pot! It is quick and easy, uses wholesome ingredients, and is always a hit with kids and adults for dinner. Made with seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and plenty of cheesy goodness, you simply can't go wrong with this dish on the menu.
Note: that links to products you find in this post are Amazon affiliate links which means I do make a small amount of money when you click and make purchases.
With kids, a full-time job, and all the other responsibilities of being an adult, who has the time for recipes that take tons of time to prepare?? Not me!!! Honestly, when it comes to dinner I am always looking for simple dishes, that are wholesome and balanced, and that I know my family will devour!
This taco spaghetti, like my cheeseburger tacos, hits all these elements perfectly! Adding the layers of Tex-Mex flavors to pasta creates a sensational dish that I feel confident feeding my family.
It fits perfectly into my meal rotation for the week along with other family favorites like these juicy slow cooker chicken legs or Ranch pork chops.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here's a look at the simple ingredients you need to make this simple one-dish mashup of tacos and spaghetti for dinner.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Aids in the browning of the meat and softening of the onions. You don't need much and while I prefer extra virgin olive oil you can use any neutral flavored vegetable oil.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef makes a healthy option for this easy pasta recipe but you can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
- Aromatics: Sweet onion and garlic are sauteed to add subtle flavor to the meat. I found that red onion is a bit overpowering which is why I recommend using a sweet onion such as Walla walla or Vidalia onions.
- Taco seasoning: Using store-bought taco mix keeps this dish low prep but it also worked better for thickening the sauce over the homemade. It also packed a much better flavor than homemade seasoning mix. You can use mild or hot taco seasoning depending on your preference for spicy foods.
- Tomatoes with chilies: We're using the whole can in the recipe including the flavorful juices. Rotel is the most popular brand. You can also use canned diced tomatoes and canned green chilies but the flavor is slightly different.
- Spaghetti noodles: Spaghetti noodles are our favorite but you can experiment with your favorite pasta shapes or use any you might already have in your cabinet.
- Cheddar cheese: The sharp flavors of cheddar work great with the taco flavors but you can certainly change it up to use another cheese. Shredding your own cheese is best for the best melting.
- Cilantro: Added on top, it's optional but it adds brightness and some color to the final dish. You can also use a different herb such as parsley or simply leave it out.
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list for this taco spaghetti recipe and quantities of each.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Consider using meatless crumbles, black beans, or a plant-based ground alternative to make a vegetarian taco spaghetti.
- More Heat: If you're a fan of spicy flavors you have a couple of options to make it spicier. Add some diced jalapeno to cook with the ground beef or you can add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes or hot sauce as well.
- More Veggies: If you're looking to boost the veggies your family eats you can certainly sneak a few into the spaghetti. Corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and extra tomatoes are just a few that would work well with the flavors.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti
Are you ready to see how easy it is to throw this meal together for dinner? Here's a look at the main steps but you can find all the specific instructions in the recipe card.
Step 1: Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a Dutch oven with olive oil until it's fully cooked and no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Add the taco seasoning, tomatoes, and water to the pot with the drained ground beef.
Step 3: Throw in the spaghetti and bring the pot to a boil. Cover it with the lid and reduce the heat to a slow simmer.
Step 4: Cook the spaghetti and beef for 15-20 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Top the cooked spaghetti with cheese and cilantro. Stir it until the cheese melts into the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and cilantro on top.
Storage Tips
One-pot taco spaghetti is best served fresh but you can certainly save leftovers to enjoy later. Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed or you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. If it's frozen, thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Ideas
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal for the whole family. It's easy to make for a crowd so consider it for groups or gatherings.
- Serve Up With Toppings: Enjoy with your favorite taco toppings such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, chopped jalapenos, or even salsa.
- Side Dish or Salad: Serve it up with a simple vegetable or fruit salad like this watermelon feta salad or these roasted green beans.
- Bread: This pasta dish tastes great with all types of bread including garlic bread, a simple store-bought French baguette, or a freshly baked cornbread with buttermilk and honey.
Expert Tips
- Drain the Beef After Browning. Removing the excess oil from the beef is essential for the best results.
- Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese. I know it's a time saver but it has additives to keep it from sticking together which affects how well it melts. I like to buy a block of cheddar and use my food processor to quickly grate it.
- Adjust to Your Flavors and Preferences. It's easy to make this dish how you like it! Check the variations section above for some inspiration.
Recipe FAQs
The spice level is moderate. If you're sensitive to spice or serving this for kids you can adjust it by using mild taco seasoning. If you like it spicier you also add hot sauce to taste for more heat.
Yes, this recipe is adaptable for the slow cooker though I have yet to test it. Brown the meat and cook the onions and then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Quick and Easy Taco Spaghetti
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Cutting Boards and Knives
- Pasta Scoop
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped sweet onion
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 oz package taco seasoning
- 1 10 oz can tomatoes with chilies (undrained)
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup chopped cilantro divided
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat and return the meat mixture to the pan. Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, spaghetti noodles, and water.
- Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to a slow simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat, top with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese and ¼ cup cilantro. Stir until the cheese is melted into the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and cilantro on top.
- Serve with desired toppings.
- Enjoy this delicious fusion of taco flavors and spaghetti in a convenient one-pot dish!
Notes
- Drain the Beef After Browning. Removing the excess oil from the beef is essential for the best results.
- Avoid Pre-Shredded Cheese. I know it's a time saver but it has additives to keep it from sticking together which affects how well it melts. I like to buy a block of cheddar and use my food processor to quickly grate it.
- Adjust to Your Flavors and Preferences. It's easy to make this dish how you like it! Check the variations section above for some inspiration.
Leave a Reply