Creamy & Cheesy Taco Spaghetti: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

Taco Spaghetti – a truly satisfying and flavorful Mexican-inspired dinner that comes together quickly. Enjoy creamy, cheesy spaghetti bathed in a rich, savory meat sauce. This is an incredibly easy weeknight recipe that the entire family will undoubtedly love, becoming a regular on your dinner rotation.

If you’re anything like me, your weeknights are a constant quest for quick, fuss-free dinner solutions that don’t compromise on flavor. And when those solutions involve the vibrant, exciting tastes of Mexican cuisine? Even better! While I’m a huge advocate for the simplicity of a one-pan meal, for this particular Taco Spaghetti recipe, I’ve found that cooking the pasta and sauce separately yields the most exceptionally creamy texture and perfectly al dente spaghetti. This slight variation ensures that every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious, cheesy goodness.

However, if you’re absolutely set on a single-pot wonder, my Taco Pasta Skillet is an excellent alternative. It offers a slightly different profile but is equally delectable and allows for flexibility with any pasta shape you prefer. Both recipes aim to bring robust flavor and ease to your dinner table, proving that quick meals can still be incredibly satisfying.

Taco-flavored spaghetti with ground beef and cheese in a large skillet, ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Spaghetti Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Taco Spaghetti will quickly become a cherished family favorite. First and foremost, it’s an incredibly easy recipe that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, it delivers an explosion of authentic Mexican-inspired flavor. You have the flexibility to use convenient store-bought taco seasoning for ultimate speed, or elevate the dish further with your own Homemade Taco Seasoning for a personalized touch.

Beyond its speed and simplicity, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy spaghetti base appeals to almost everyone, even picky eaters. It’s comfort food with a kick, offering a unique twist on traditional spaghetti that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust spice levels and add your favorite toppings, ensuring a fresh experience every time you make it. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing common pantry staples and affordable protein, making it a smart choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Taco Spaghetti

Crafting this delectable Taco Spaghetti requires a few simple, yet powerful ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect creamy, savory, and slightly spicy balance. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The foundation of our hearty meat sauce. Opt for a lean-to-medium fat ratio (85/15 or 80/20) for the best flavor without excessive grease.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a crucial aromatic base, lending sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that irresistible savory aroma and pungent flavor that elevates any meat sauce.
Rotel Tomatoes: These diced tomatoes with green chilies are the secret weapon for a vibrant, zesty flavor and a hint of mild spice. You can choose original, mild, or hot varieties based on your preference.
Taco Seasoning: The key to infusing that signature Mexican flair. A standard packet works wonderfully, or for a more controlled flavor profile, try a homemade blend.
Sour Cream: This is what gives the spaghetti its incredible creaminess and a delightful tang, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a rich, gooey, and satisfying element that makes this dish truly comforting.
Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice for this recipe, its long strands perfectly absorb the creamy sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes as detailed in our variations section.

A flat lay of all ingredients needed for taco spaghetti, including ground beef, onion, garlic, Rotel, taco seasoning, sour cream, cheese, and dry spaghetti.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Taco Spaghetti

Follow these simple instructions to create a fantastic Taco Spaghetti dinner that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly creamy. The key is efficient multi-tasking to get everything done in under 30 minutes!

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid. This liquid is essential for achieving the perfect creamy consistency in your sauce later.
Brown the Beef and Onions: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion to the skillet. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened and translucent. This typically takes 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan. This step is crucial to prevent your sauce from becoming greasy.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Immediately follow by adding the can of Rotel tomatoes (undrained, for extra flavor and liquid) and the entire packet of taco seasoning. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Incorporate Creaminess: Once the pasta is cooked and drained (remember to keep that reserved pasta water!), remove the beef mixture from the heat. This is a critical step to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until both are fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the beef mixture. The residual heat from the beef will be enough to melt the cheese and warm the sour cream without causing separation.
Combine and Create Creaminess: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup). Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick or isn’t as creamy as you’d like, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it wonderfully smooth and clinging to the spaghetti.
Serve Immediately: Transfer your creamy Taco Spaghetti to bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal!

Taco pasta served in a white bowl with a fork, garnished with fresh cilantro.

What To Serve With Taco Pasta

Taco Spaghetti is a robust and complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary side dishes can elevate your dinner experience. Here are some fantastic options:

Tossed Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and creamy spaghetti. It adds a lovely crunch and a dose of fresh vegetables.
Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a classic pairing for many hearty, savory dishes. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole adds a cool, creamy, and healthy element. Its rich avocado flavor and zesty notes complement the taco flavors beautifully.
Restaurant Style Salsa: A bowl of vibrant salsa provides an extra layer of freshness and a mild tangy kick. It can be served alongside or even drizzled over your Taco Spaghetti.
Refried Beans: For a more substantial side, warm refried beans add a creamy, earthy component that perfectly fits the Mexican theme.
Black Bean Salad: A quick salad made with black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro in a lime dressing offers a healthy and flavorful side.

Customizing Your Taco Spaghetti: Delicious Variations

One of the best aspects of this Taco Spaghetti recipe is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own! Here are several ways you can mix it up:

Pasta: While this recipe specifically calls for spaghetti, almost any cut of pasta or noodle will work wonderfully. Consider trying linguine for a similar long-strand experience, or switch to shorter shapes like penne, rotini, or even bow-tie (farfalle) pasta. Elbow macaroni could also make for a delightful “Taco Mac.” Each shape will hold the sauce a little differently, offering a unique texture.
Toppings: Just like a traditional taco, this dish is fantastic when loaded with your favorite garnishes. Think of it as a canvas for flavor! Top with black olives, freshly diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole, chopped fresh tomatoes, vibrant cilantro, thinly sliced or pickled jalapeños for a kick, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, or even crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
One-Pan Method: For those nights when you absolutely want minimal cleanup, you can easily adapt this into a one-skillet meal. After browning the ground beef and onions and adding the garlic, Rotel, and taco seasoning (Step 3), instead of cooking the pasta separately, add about 3 cups of water or chicken broth directly to the pan. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the simmering mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Once the pasta is tender, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese as directed. This method creates a slightly different texture, often with a thicker sauce, but it’s just as delicious and incredibly convenient.
Protein Alternatives: Not a fan of ground beef? You can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding extra vegetables. Sauté diced bell peppers (any color), corn, or black beans along with the onions for a more robust and colorful dish.

A spoonful of creamy taco spaghetti being lifted from a skillet, showing the cheesy sauce and meat.

Expert Tips for the Best Taco Spaghetti

Achieving the perfect creamy and flavorful Taco Spaghetti is easy with a few key considerations. These tips will help ensure your dish turns out spectacular every time:

Remove from Heat Before Adding Sour Cream: This is arguably the most crucial tip for this recipe! Always make sure to remove the beef mixture from the heat before stirring in the sour cream. When sour cream is stirred directly into a hot, boiling mixture, it can “break” or curdle, resulting in a grainy or separated texture. Removing it from the heat first allows the sour cream to gently warm and melt into the sauce, keeping it wonderfully creamy and smooth.
Adjust Spice Level to Your Liking: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. If you love a good kick, use hot Rotel tomatoes, or add a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the garlic. For a milder version, opt for mild Rotel or even regular diced tomatoes (drain them first to avoid too much liquid) if you want to eliminate the chili flavor entirely.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key here. It provides a pleasant bite and won’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce. Always follow package directions and taste test as it cooks.
Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget this step! The starchy pasta water is your best friend for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. It helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and makes it incredibly creamy. Start with half a cup and add more gradually as needed.
Quality Cheese Matters: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and often has a better flavor. If using pre-shredded, be aware it sometimes contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, always taste your finished spaghetti. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more taco seasoning to suit your palate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Taco Spaghetti makes for excellent next-day meals. To ensure your leftovers stay delicious and safe, here are some storage and reheating recommendations:

Store any leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before transferring it to the container. When you’re ready to reheat, I find that adding a tiny splash of milk or a tablespoon of water helps immensely. This prevents the pasta from drying out and helps loosen up the sauce, bringing back that delightful creaminess. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating, as this can make the pasta mushy.

Close-up of a serving of taco pasta, styled for Pinterest with a focus on the rich sauce and cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Taco Spaghetti

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making this delicious Taco Spaghetti:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just ensure they are cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
The reserved pasta water is your friend here! If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a tiny bit more shredded cheese to help thicken it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can definitely prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving and then combine with the reheated sauce, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to rehydrate as needed.
Is Taco Spaghetti freezer-friendly?
Yes, it can be! For best results, freeze the meat sauce separately from the pasta. Once the sauce is completely cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta. If freezing the combined dish, the pasta texture might become slightly softer upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
What kind of cheese is best for Taco Spaghetti?
Cheddar cheese is classic and melts wonderfully for that signature creamy, cheesy texture. However, you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican blend cheese for slightly different flavor profiles.

More Tasty Dinner Recipes

If you loved this easy and flavorful Taco Spaghetti, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious dinner recipes that are sure to become new family favorites:

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Wet Burrito
Air Fryer Chimichanga
Mexican Skillet Potatoes
Mexican Pizza
Chili Relleno Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
Dorito Chicken Casserole

Close up of a white bowl filled with creamy Taco Spaghetti, ready to be enjoyed.

4.46 from 24 votes

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

By Erin Sellin

Taco Spaghetti – a tasty Mexican-inspired dinner that is ready in minutes. Creamy and cheesy spaghetti in a flavorful meat sauce. An easy weeknight recipe the whole family will love.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 5

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢ 8 oz dried spaghetti
▢ 1 pound ground beef
▢ 1 small onion, finely chopped
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 packet taco seasoning
▢ 1 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes
▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
▢ 1 1 /2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a large skillet brown ground beef and onions together over high heat until cooked through. Drain any fat from the pan. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until you can start to smell it.
Add in the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir until it is well combined, bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the beef from the heat and stir in sour cream and cheddar cheese. The beef mixture will be quick.
Add the pasta and enough of the reserved pasta water to get everything to come together and be nice and creamy.
Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5

Calories: 562

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!

Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram