Taco Spaghetti: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Taco Spaghetti – a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods, creating a tasty Mexican-inspired dinner that’s ready in mere minutes. This dish features creamy and cheesy spaghetti bathed in a flavorful meat sauce, making it an incredibly easy weeknight recipe the whole family will adore.

As anyone with a busy schedule knows, a quick and easy weeknight dinner is a true lifesaver. When that dinner also happens to involve vibrant Mexican flavors, it becomes an absolute game-changer! While I often gravitate towards one-pan meals for their ultimate convenience, for this particular Taco Spaghetti recipe, I’ve opted to cook the pasta and sauce separately. This method ensures that the pasta is cooked perfectly al dente and the sauce achieves an extra creamy, rich consistency that truly elevates the dish.

If you’re absolutely set on a one-pan culinary adventure, my Taco Pasta Skillet remains a fantastic go-to option. It offers a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor profile and allows for the use of any pasta shape you prefer. Both recipes guarantee a satisfying meal, but our Taco Spaghetti highlights that desired creamy texture beautifully.

taco flavored spaghetti in a large skillet

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Taco Spaghetti

This Taco Spaghetti recipe isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary hug that promises ease, flavor, and universal appeal. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:

Incredibly Fast: You can whip up this entire meal in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. Forget about lengthy cooking processes; this dish delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.
Simple Ingredients, Huge Flavor: Despite requiring just a handful of readily available ingredients, this recipe boasts an explosion of flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The combination of classic taco seasoning with creamy cheese and zesty Rotel tomatoes creates a uniquely satisfying experience.
Customizable to Your Liking: Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought taco seasoning or love to craft your own Homemade Taco Seasoning, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences. You can also adjust the spice level, add different toppings, or even swap out the protein.
A Certified Family Favorite: This dish has a universal appeal that even picky eaters find hard to resist. The familiar comfort of spaghetti combined with the exciting flavors of tacos makes it a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors in a format they already love.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, Taco Spaghetti is an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s a hearty meal that stretches your grocery budget without feeling cheap.
Comfort Food Fusion: It perfectly marries the hearty, comforting nature of spaghetti with the bold, exciting spices of a taco. It’s truly the best of both worlds, offering a unique twist on traditional meals.

Essential Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti

Gathering your ingredients for this flavorful meal is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, cheesy goodness:

Ground Beef: I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and leanness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as substitutes.
Onion: A small, finely chopped onion forms the aromatic base of our sauce, adding depth and a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent, warm flavor. Two cloves are ideal, but feel free to add more if you’re a garlic enthusiast.
Rotel Tomatoes: These are diced tomatoes with green chilies, providing a fantastic zesty kick and a touch of heat. You can choose mild, original, or hot Rotel depending on your preferred spice level. If you prefer a milder taste, regular diced tomatoes can be used.
Taco Seasoning: A single packet of your favorite taco seasoning simplifies the flavoring process. Alternatively, make your own from scratch for a personalized touch with spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Sour Cream: This is the secret to achieving that luscious, creamy texture in our sauce, along with a pleasant tangy note that balances the rich meat. Full-fat sour cream yields the creamiest results.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a rich, cheesy dimension that everyone loves. Medium or sharp cheddar works best, or you can experiment with a Mexican blend.
Spaghetti: The classic choice for this recipe, its long strands beautifully capture the savory sauce. However, this recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to use other pasta shapes.

Crafting Your Delicious Taco Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this family-favorite meal is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect creamy and flavorful Taco Spaghetti every time:

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). Before draining, remember to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid. This liquid is essential for achieving the perfect creamy consistency in our sauce.
Brown the Beef & Aromatics: While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onions, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Brown the mixture thoroughly until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened and slightly translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent a greasy sauce. Once drained, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmer the Flavorful Sauce: To the browned beef and onion mixture, add the can of Rotel tomatoes (undrained) and the packet of taco seasoning. Stir everything together until it is well combined, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Achieve Creamy Perfection: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has simmered, remove the beef mixture from the heat. This step is crucial for incorporating the dairy without curdling. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until both are fully melted and smoothly integrated 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 Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the creamy beef sauce. Begin by adding about half of your reserved pasta water, stirring well to combine. Continue to add more pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce coats the spaghetti beautifully and reaches your desired creamy consistency. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it incredibly luscious.
Enjoy Immediately: Serve your delicious Taco Spaghetti piping hot and enjoy! For an extra special touch, consider adding your favorite taco toppings.

Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti is a hearty meal on its own, but a few simple sides can complete the experience and add freshness or extra texture. Here are some fantastic options:

A Fresh Tossed Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a cilantro-lime dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
Warm Cornbread: Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, a slice of warm cornbread is a classic, comforting pairing that’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creamy Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole adds a cool, creamy element and a burst of fresh avocado flavor that complements the taco seasoning beautifully.
Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa: A bowl of vibrant salsa offers a fresh, tangy, and sometimes spicy counterpoint, perfect for topping your spaghetti or serving alongside with tortilla chips.
Black Beans or Refried Beans: A side of perfectly seasoned black beans or creamy refried beans can add extra protein and fiber, making the meal even more filling.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: During warmer months, grilled corn provides a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with Mexican flavors.
Tortilla Chips: For a simple crunch, a bowl of crispy tortilla chips alongside your spaghetti is always a good idea.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about Taco Spaghetti is its versatility! There are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand:

Pasta Alternatives: While this recipe traditionally calls for spaghetti, you really can use any cut of pasta or noodle that you prefer. Consider trying:
- Linguine: Similar to spaghetti but slightly wider, offering a different mouthfeel.
- Penne or Rotini: These tubular and spiral shapes are excellent for capturing and holding onto the creamy meat sauce within their crevices.
- Elbow Macaroni: For a more “taco mac and cheese” vibe, elbow macaroni is a fantastic, kid-friendly choice.
- Bow-tie (Farfalle) Pasta: Adds a fun shape and texture to the dish.
- Egg Noodles: For an even softer, more comforting texture, broad egg noodles can be a delicious swap.
Creative Toppings: Just like a traditional taco, this dish shines with a variety of fresh toppings. Get creative and load up with whatever your favorite taco toppings are:
- Fresh Vegetables: Diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole, chopped fresh tomatoes, sliced black olives, finely chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions.
- Spicy Kicks: Sliced fresh jalapeños, pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for an extra fiery kick.
- Creamy Additions: An extra swirl of sour cream, Greek yogurt (for a healthier tang), or a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
- Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for an added textural element.
One-Pan Wonder: For ultimate convenience, you can easily transform this into a one-skillet meal. To do this:
After browning the ground beef and onions and draining the fat (Step 2), add the minced garlic, Rotel tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Then, crucially, add about 3 cups of water or chicken broth (enough to just cover the pasta) and your spaghetti (you might need to break it in half to fit). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese until creamy. This method simplifies cleanup without sacrificing flavor!
Protein Swaps: Not a fan of ground beef? No problem!
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lighter alternatives that still absorb all the wonderful taco flavors.
- Ground Pork: Adds a richer, slightly different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Options: For a meatless version, use plant-based ground crumbles, or substitute the beef with two cans of drained and rinsed black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Cheese, Please!: Experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack (for a spicy kick), or a pre-packaged Mexican cheese blend.

Top Tips for Perfect Taco Spaghetti

To ensure your Taco Spaghetti turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every time, keep these essential tips in mind:

Crucial Sour Cream Tip: The biggest tip for making this recipe, and achieving that perfectly smooth, creamy texture, is to make sure to remove the beef mixture from the heat before you stir in the sour cream. When sour cream is added directly to a hot, simmering mixture, the high heat can cause the dairy to curdle, resulting in a separated or grainy sauce. By removing it from the heat first, the residual warmth will gently incorporate the sour cream, keeping it wonderfully creamy and preventing any separation.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: That reserved cup of starchy pasta water is liquid gold! It contains starches that help emulsify the sauce, making it cling better to the pasta and contributing significantly to the dish’s overall creaminess. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Don’t rush the browning process for your ground beef. A good, deep brown color means more flavor development. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you love things spicy, opt for hot Rotel tomatoes. You can also add finely diced fresh jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the garlic. If you prefer a milder taste, use mild Rotel or even regular diced tomatoes instead.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before combining everything, taste your meat sauce and adjust the taco seasoning or salt and pepper as needed. Different taco seasoning brands can vary in intensity.
Al Dente Pasta is Key: Ensure your spaghetti is cooked al dente. It will finish cooking slightly in the sauce, and you want it to retain a pleasant chewiness, not become mushy.

Storage and Reheating Made Easy

Got leftovers? Taco Spaghetti makes for fantastic next-day meals! Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it tasting fresh:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Pasta can absorb a lot of liquid as it sits, so to prevent it from drying out and to help loosen up the pasta and sauce, add a tiny splash of milk (or even chicken broth or water) during reheating. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again.
Freezing: While technically possible, pasta can sometimes become a bit softer or mushier after being frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze, ensure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Explore More Tasty Dinner Recipes

If you loved this Taco Spaghetti, be sure to check out these other fantastic dinner ideas:

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

★★★★☆ 4.46 from 24 votes

Taco Spaghetti

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

Cook:

20

Total:

25

Servings:
5

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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 or 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

Cook Time:
20

Total Time:
25

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
5

Calories:
562

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