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Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Updated on 4 min read
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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the ultimate Taco Spaghetti (serves 6):

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz dry spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – see below)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water

For the Cheese Blend:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Crushed tortilla chips

How to Make Taco Spaghetti (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Add a tablespoon of salt and the dry spaghetti.
  3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Drain and set aside. Drizzle a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat

  1. In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onions and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
  5. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Season the Meat

  1. Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

  1. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
  2. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

  1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce.
  2. Toss until noodles are well-coated with the taco meat mixture.

Step 6: Add Cheese

  1. Sprinkle in half the cheese and stir gently until melted.
  2. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish (or leave it in an oven-safe skillet).
  3. Top with remaining cheese evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Finish

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with your choice of green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Tips for Success

  • Undercook the pasta slightly: It will continue to cook in the oven and absorb flavor.
  • Use Rotel or any tomatoes with green chilies: It adds a kick without making it too spicy.
  • Don’t skip the cheese blend: A mix of cheeses adds depth and creaminess.
  • Add beans or corn: For a heartier dish, stir in a drained can of black beans or corn before baking.

Variations & Add-ins

Want to make it your own? Try these variations:

  • Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, pinto beans, or meatless crumbles instead of beef.
  • Creamy Taco Spaghetti: Stir in 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream for a creamy twist.
  • Taco Spaghetti Bake: Layer crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the baking dish before adding the pasta mix for crunch.
  • Mexican Street Corn Style: Add roasted corn, cotija cheese, and lime juice on top before serving.

What to Serve with Taco Spaghetti

Though this dish is hearty on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:

  • Mexican corn salad (elote style)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
  • Tortilla chips and salsa or queso dip
  • Refried or black beans

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

  • Let cool completely before storing.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.
  • Reheat full dish in oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.

Make-Ahead Option

Want to prep ahead?

  1. Make the meat sauce up to 2 days in advance.
  2. Cook the spaghetti and store separately.
  3. On the day of serving, combine, add cheese, bake, and garnish.

You can also assemble the entire dish the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just increase baking time to about 25 minutes since it’s going in cold.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Est.)

  • Calories: 560
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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