If you are craving a comforting crossover dish that marries the best of Mexican flavors with Italian pasta, this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, cozy meal where the familiar spices of taco seasoning meet tender spaghetti, juicy tomatoes, hearty beans, and melty cheddar cheese, creating a fiesta in every bite. Whether you’re after a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for friends, this recipe delivers bold taste and satisfying textures all in one pot. Get ready because this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is about to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that pop. From the savory ground beef to the creamy black beans, every component contributes to a balanced, colorful dish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- 12 ounces spaghetti: The perfect base that holds all the delicious sauce and spices.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: Brings hearty protein and a savory backbone to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Infuses sweetness and subtle texture upon cooking.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Packs in that iconic taco flavor instantly.
- 1 cup water: Helps create the sauce and brings everything together smoothly.
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds juiciness and a mild spicy kick.
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce: Offers a rich and smooth tomato base.
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained): Provides a pop of sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds fiber, creaminess, and earthy flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey comfort and ties all flavors together.
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): Give a fresh, zesty finish and customizable heat.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set it aside — this pasta is going to soak up all the flavorful goodness coming next, so keep it ready but don’t overcook it.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Stir and cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step unlocks deep, savory notes that form the base of the dish’s flavor. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep your dish from getting too oily.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Liquids
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and pour in the water, stirring everything together. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the seasoning to bloom and blend beautifully with the beef and onions.
Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes, Corn, and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce, then add the corn kernels and black beans. Reduce the heat to medium and let this mixture gently simmer for around five minutes. This step is magic — it melds the layers of flavor into a cohesive, delicious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti and Melt Cheese
Add the cooked spaghetti right into the skillet and toss everything together until every bite is coated in that rich, zesty sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes off the heat. The cheese will melt into a dreamy, melty blanket that makes this Taco Spaghetti Recipe utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños sprinkled on top add a bright, herbal lift and a punch of heat if you enjoy a little spice. They aren’t required but definitely recommended because they create a beautiful presentation and elevate the dish’s flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This taco pasta pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, crunchy tortilla chips for scooping, or even a refreshing cucumber lime salad. These sides bring lightness to the meal and balance the rich, cheesy goodness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking this mixture topped with extra cheese in a casserole dish until bubbly and golden — turning the Taco Spaghetti Recipe into a comforting baked casserole. Serve it in individual bowls layered with dollops of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for an interactive taco party vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making it a delicious grab-and-go option for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish, but cheese melt might change in texture after thawing. If freezing, omit the cheese in the initial cooking, add fresh shredded cheese after reheating for the best experience. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This keeps the sauce saucy and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that work wonderfully in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe, keeping the flavors lively while reducing the fat content.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, it has a mild kick thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or extra chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and veggies, and swap the cheese for a vegan alternative to keep it tasty and meat-free.
What can I serve with Taco Spaghetti Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair it with a simple green salad, avocado slices, or corn salad to round out the meal with fresh, crunchy elements alongside the warm, hearty pasta.
How long does it take to make this Taco Spaghetti Recipe?
This recipe is quick and convenient, taking about 30 minutes total, perfect for busy weekday dinners without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Final Thoughts
There is something so special about a dish that brings two beloved cuisines together with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps. I hope you find the same joy in making and sharing this Taco Spaghetti Recipe as I do. It truly is a crowd-pleaser that invites creativity, whether served fresh off the stove or baked bubbly in the oven. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to meal that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican American
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Taco Spaghetti recipe that combines the bold spices of taco seasoning with hearty ground beef, tender spaghetti, and a melty cheddar cheese topping. This Mexican-American fusion dish is perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner and can be customized with ground turkey or chicken, and extra heat if desired.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Topping and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the beef and soften the onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add taco seasoning and simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, and beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, corn kernels, and black beans. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes to blend all flavors thoroughly.
- Combine spaghetti with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to combine with the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Melt the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños before serving for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to vary the protein.
- For extra heat, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This recipe can be adapted by baking it in a casserole dish topped with cheese for a bubbly, oven-baked version.
