Taco Spaghetti combines the bold, zesty flavors of classic tacos with the ultimate comfort food—spaghetti! If you love cheesy, saucy pasta dishes and you’re always craving tacos on weeknights, this recipe is pure magic. Every bite is loaded with seasoned beef, creamy tomato sauce, oozy cheese, and just the right kick, making Taco Spaghetti a must-try dinner that the whole family will devour. Plus, it’s a one-pan marvel you’ll want to put on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Taco Spaghetti is just how approachable the ingredients list is. Each component brings either flavor, texture, or a beautiful burst of color to your plate, giving this dish its signature Tex-Mex flair.

Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.
Onion (diced): Softened onion brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic (minced): A must for savory goodness, infusing every bite with warm, aromatic notes.
Ground beef (or turkey, plant-based crumbles): The hearty, protein-packed backbone—choose your favorite!
Taco seasoning: Shortcut to bold, spiced flavor—customize with mild or hot.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Tangy and just a tad spicy, these add body and heat to the sauce.
Beef broth: Gives the sauce savory depth and keeps the mixture perfectly saucy.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor amps up the richness and gives gorgeous color.
Cream cheese (softened): This is the secret to silky, creamy sauce that hugs every strand.
Spaghetti (cooked al dente): The pasta of choice! Al dente texture ensures it doesn’t get mushy.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, etc.): Melty, gooey, and craveable—feel free to mix or match your favorites.
Cilantro for garnish (optional): Freshness and a pop of green for that signature flair.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to hold up to all that delicious sauce! Drain well and set aside, but don’t rinse; the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat your olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute—this little step brings the whole dish to life!

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground beef (or turkey, or plant-based option) straight into the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain it out carefully so your Taco Spaghetti doesn’t end up greasy.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over your cooked meat and stir in those diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, tomato paste, and the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, letting everything thicken up and the cream cheese melt until you have a rich, creamy sauce packed with Tex-Mex flavor.

Step 5: Toss it All Together

Remove the skillet from the heat and add your cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and use tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are glazed in creamy, cheesy goodness and every bit of Taco Spaghetti is coated evenly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Transfer your finished Taco Spaghetti to a big serving dish (or straight from the pan—no judgment!). Top generously with fresh cilantro if you’re using it, and serve up hot, ooey-gooey plates while the cheese is still melty and irresistible.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

Garnishes

Garnishes take this dish from weeknight to wow! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby contrast, while an extra handful of shredded cheese on top creates those unbeatable stringy cheese pulls. Try adding a drizzle of sour cream, minced jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime for an encore of freshness.

Side Dishes

Taco Spaghetti pairs beautifully with almost anything you’d serve at taco night or Italian dinner. Think crisp green salads, zesty corn salsa, garlic bread, or even refried beans. Tortilla chips on the side for scooping up extra sauce are always a win, especially with kids.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Taco Spaghetti straight from a giant skillet for rustic charm at casual dinners, or twirl into individual nests on plates and top with all your favorite taco fixings for a playful fusion feast. You can even serve leftovers turned into a spaghetti bake—just transfer to a casserole, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Taco Spaghetti, you’re in luck—it reheats like a dream! Once cooled, store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for an extra-tasty next-day lunch.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled Taco Spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a ready-to-go meal when you crave that Tex-Mex comfort.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to revive the creamy sauce. Stir halfway through so everything heats evenly. You can also gently warm larger amounts in a skillet over low heat, adding extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta besides spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti gives the classic twirly texture, you can swap in penne, rotini, or any short pasta you love. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.

Is Taco Spaghetti spicy?

The heat level is totally customizable. Using mild taco seasoning and tomatoes gives gentle warmth, but for a spicier kick, choose hot seasoning or add extra chopped jalapeños or hot sauce before serving.

Can I make Taco Spaghetti vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. You’ll still get all the hearty, bold flavors you love.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses both melt beautifully and bring tons of flavor, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little mozzarella can make this dish your own.

Can I prepare Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the sauce and pasta ahead of time, store them separately, then toss together and bake with cheese before serving. This makes Taco Spaghetti a fantastic option for meal prepping or entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s weeknight easy but weekend-worthy, Taco Spaghetti is your new secret weapon. It’s an irresistible fusion that brings together all the playful, comforting flavors you crave. Give it a whirl—you might discover a new family favorite!