Go Back

Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti is a delightful fusion of Mexican taco flavors and classic Italian pasta comfort. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Taco Spaghetti
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz / 411 g)
  • 1 can mild diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz / 284 g, like Rotel)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted water until they are just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package recommends). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and then sprinkle in the taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes, the can of mild diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the sauce and toss to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the taco spaghetti hot, and top with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for extra freshness and texture. Extra cheese on top is also a great addition.

Notes

This Taco Spaghetti recipe offers a comforting twist on traditional pasta dishes by incorporating the bold flavors of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. It’s very versatile, allowing you to substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. The optional toppings not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. You can prepare components ahead of time to save money on your weeknight cooking routine.