Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Are you ready for something super fun and yummy? This taco spaghetti recipe is like a taco and a spaghetti dish becoming best friends. Imagine the spicy, cheesy flavor of tacos mixed with the warm, twirly noodles of spaghetti. It’s fast, easy, and makes everyone at the table say, “Wow!”

In this article, you’ll learn all about how to make it, what goes into it, some cool tips to change it up, and how to store leftovers for later. We’ll also answer common questions people ask, like “What is in taco spaghetti?” and “Can I freeze it?”

Chef’s Story: Why This Recipe Works

“I created this taco spaghetti recipe on a whim one weeknight when I had taco meat but no shells left. I threw it together with spaghetti, a little cheese, and some salsa, and it blew my family’s minds! Now it’s a weekly must-have.”
– Chef Jamie L., Home Cook for 20+ Years

A Fun Mix of Two Popular Dishes

Tacos and spaghetti are both super popular. So why not mash them together? Taco spaghetti takes ground beef seasoned with taco spices and mixes it with spaghetti noodles and cheese. You get the bold flavors of a taco with the comfort of pasta in every bite.

It’s not a soup. It’s not a plain pasta dish. It’s a Tex-Mex pasta fusion that’s made to impress even picky eaters.

Why Families Love Taco Spaghetti

Families love this dish because:

• It’s easy to make in one pot or one pan.
• It takes under 30 minutes to cook.
• You can add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or olives.
• Leftovers taste just as good the next day.

Plus, kids love it! It’s like taco night and spaghetti night all rolled into one.

“My kids think it’s magic food. They call it ‘spaghetaco!’ and beg for seconds.”
– Lila B., Mom of 3

Taco Spaghetti Ingredients Explained

Before we dive into cooking, let’s look at what goes into this dish. The great thing about the taco spaghetti recipe is that it uses easy-to-find ingredients. Most of them are probably in your kitchen right now!

Main Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to whip up this tasty meal:

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 pound
Taco seasoning	1 packet (or 2 tbsp)
Spaghetti noodles	8 ounces
Canned tomatoes	1 can (diced or Rotel)
Shredded cheese	1 to 2 cups
Onion (optional)	1 small, diced
Water or broth	2 cups (for boiling)
Olive oil	1 tablespoon

“The cool part? You can change it up. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Want it creamier? Add a scoop of sour cream!”
– Chef Jamie L.

Each of these ingredients plays a big role in building bold, savory, and cheesy flavor, just like you’d want from both tacos and pasta.

Taco Seasoning and Pasta: The Flavor Makers

The taco seasoning adds that zesty Tex-Mex flavor. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika.

Spaghetti noodles bring the familiar, comforting bite we all love. Some folks swap spaghetti for macaroni or penne. That’s totally fine, as long as it soaks up all that taco flavor!

And if you’re a fan of meaty pasta recipes, check out this homemade beefaroni recipe for another easy dinner win.

Cheese and Toppings You Can Add

Cheese makes everything better. Most people use cheddar or a Mexican blend, but you can also try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a little cream cheese for richness.

Toppings are where you get creative:

• Sliced olives
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced green onions
• Sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips

“We top ours with crushed nacho chips for extra crunch. My son says it’s the best part!”
– Reader Feedback

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Step-by-Step

Cooking the Beef with Taco Flavor

Start with a large skillet or pot. Add a bit of oil, then toss in your ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.

Once the meat is browned:

• Drain the extra fat (if there’s any).
• Sprinkle in the taco seasoning.
• Stir in about 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.

That’s your taco meat base, and wow, does it smell good already!

Boiling and Mixing the Spaghetti

In a separate pot, cook your spaghetti until it’s just soft. Don’t let it get too mushy. You’ll mix it with the meat, and it’ll soak up even more flavor.

Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Or. here’s a tip:

“Skip the extra pot! Add the uncooked noodles straight to the meat with broth or water, cover, and let it cook until the noodles are soft. Fewer dishes, more flavor.”

Combining Everything in One Pot

Now it’s time to bring it all together!

• Add the cooked noodles into the taco meat mixture.
• Stir in the canned tomatoes.
• Add half of your shredded cheese and stir to melt.

Let everything simmer for 5–10 minutes on low heat, letting all those flavors mingle.

Baking or Skillet Style? Two Cooking Options

You can finish this dish two ways:

1. Stovetop Style – Let it sit in the skillet, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
2. Baked Style – Pour everything into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Both ways work, it just depends on how gooey and bubbly you want the cheese.

“Sometimes I bake it with a layer of crushed chips on top. Crunchy, cheesy heaven!”
– Tina R., College Student

Tips for the Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Want to make your taco spaghetti recipe even better? These simple tips will help you make it perfect every time.

Make It Creamy or Cheesy – Your Choice

There’s no wrong way to make this dish your own. If you want a super cheesy version, just add extra cheese on top and in the mix.

For a creamier version, stir in:

• A few spoonfuls of sour cream
• Cream cheese
• A splash of milk or heavy cream

These additions make the pasta rich and smooth without being too heavy.

“Cream cheese melts right into the noodles. It’s like taco mac and cheese!”
– Jake M., Teen Food Blogger

Use Leftovers the Next Day

This dish tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

When reheating:

• Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out
• Warm on the stove or in the microwave

Pro tip: Put some taco spaghetti in a wrap, roll it up like a burrito, and boom, a brand-new lunch idea!

Making It Spicy or Mild

The great thing about this taco spaghetti recipe is you can control the spice level.

To spice it up:

• Add diced jalapeños
• Use spicy taco seasoning
• Stir in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes

To keep it mild:

• Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel
• Skip the hot toppings
• Stick with mild cheddar cheese

Fun Variations of Taco Spaghetti

The fun doesn’t stop with the basic version. There are tons of cool ways to change up this taco spaghetti recipe. Try one of these ideas next time!

One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Busy night? Don’t feel like cleaning extra dishes? Just cook everything in one big pot.

Here’s how:

1. Brown the beef and season it.
2. Add uncooked spaghetti, tomatoes, and water or broth right to the pot.
3. Cover and let it simmer until the noodles are soft.
4. Stir in cheese at the end.

Less mess, more flavor!

Crockpot Taco Spaghetti

Got a slow cooker? You can make this dish even easier. Just toss everything in and let it cook while you do other things.

Steps:

• Brown the beef first
• Add all other ingredients except cheese
• Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours
• Stir in cheese at the end

It’s great for game day or lazy weekends!

“I threw everything in the slow cooker before soccer practice. We came home to dinner ready and smelling amazing.”
– Mariah T., Soccer Mom

Healthy Taco Spaghetti with Veggies

Want to make it a little healthier? You can sneak in some veggies, and no one will even notice.

Try adding:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Corn
• Black beans

Swap regular noodles for whole wheat or veggie noodles if you’d like. These swaps add fiber, flavor, and fun color!

Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Casserole Style

Love baked dishes? Turn this into a cheesy casserole! After mixing everything, pour it into a baking dish and cover it with more cheese.

Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

This version feels like a taco lasagna with spaghetti noodles. It’s a big hit with kids and easy to serve at parties.

Taco Spaghetti for All Diets

Not everyone eats the same way, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy this fun taco spaghetti recipe. With just a few swaps, you can make it work for almost any diet.

Gluten-Free Taco Spaghetti Tips

If you’re trying to avoid gluten, don’t worry. You can still enjoy this dish with just one change, the noodles.

Use one of these:

• Gluten-free spaghetti
• Brown rice pasta
• Chickpea pasta

Also, check your taco seasoning. Some store-bought mixes have hidden gluten. You can make your own with simple spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

“I made this recipe with gluten-free noodles, and my family couldn’t tell the difference!”
– Ally G., Gluten-Free Home Cook

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Swaps

If you’re cutting carbs, there are still ways to enjoy the bold flavors of this dish.

Try:

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• Shirataki noodles
• Cauliflower rice

Skip the regular pasta and go light on beans and corn. Add extra cheese or avocado for more healthy fats. This way, you keep all the taco goodness without the carbs.

Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti Recipe Option

Want to skip the meat? No problem! This recipe works great with plant-based swaps.

Use instead of beef:

• Black beans
• Lentils
• Plant-based ground meat

Also, veggie toppings like corn, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes boost flavor and color. Plus, cheese keeps it rich and satisfying.

So whether you’re eating gluten-free, keto, or vegetarian, this taco spaghetti recipe can be made just for you!

What Goes Well with Taco Spaghetti?

Once your taco spaghetti is cooked and ready, you might wonder what to serve with it. Good news, there are lots of tasty side options that pair perfectly with this cheesy, savory meal.

Easy Side Dishes for Taco Spaghetti

Here are some simple sides that go great with your taco spaghetti:

• Garlic bread or cheesy toast
• A side salad with creamy dressing
• Cornbread muffins
• Mexican-style rice
• Refried beans or black beans

Each of these adds something different, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or just more comfort.

If you’re looking for even more dinner ideas, you might enjoy checking out some of our other easy family meals. For more delicious recipes, check out our elote dip recipe. It’s cheesy, creamy, and perfect as a fun side or appetizer.

Toppings and Extras You Can Try

Toppings are where the magic happens! These add color, crunch, and extra flavor to your plate.

Try:

• Sour cream
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Green onions
• Hot sauce
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Shredded lettuce for a taco-salad feel

“We like to set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own plate. It turns dinner into a mini taco bar!”
– Tasha W., Family Chef

How to Store and Reheat Taco Spaghetti

So you made a big batch of this tasty taco spaghetti recipe, but now you’ve got leftovers. Don’t toss them out! This dish keeps well and reheats like a charm.

How to Keep Leftovers Fresh

To store your taco spaghetti:

• Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes after cooking.
• Place it in an airtight container.
• Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Make sure it’s sealed tight, so the noodles don’t dry out or pick up other fridge smells.

Want to keep it even longer? Freeze it!

• Scoop into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label with the date.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to eat it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Tips to Keep It Tasty

You don’t want your pasta to turn mushy or dry. So here’s how to keep it fresh when warming it up:

Microwave:

• Add a small splash of water or broth.
• Cover loosely with a lid or paper towel.
• Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Stovetop:

• Place in a non-stick pan.
• Add a bit of water or broth.
• Warm over medium heat, stirring gently.

Oven:

• Preheat to 350°F.
• Place pasta in a baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 10–15 minutes.

“I freeze this dish in small containers for school lunches. It heats up great!”
– Kelly P., Meal Prep Fan

Taco Spaghetti for Parties and Meal Prep

This taco spaghetti recipe isn’t just for busy weeknights. It’s also perfect for feeding a group or getting ahead with weekly meals.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Families

If your week is packed, prep this dish early!

Here’s how:

• Cook the beef and mix with sauce and seasonings.
• Store it in the fridge.
• Boil noodles when you’re ready to eat, then mix and heat everything up.

Or you can even make the full dish and store it in a covered baking dish. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It saves tons of time!

You can also portion the taco spaghetti into single servings. This makes quick lunches for school or work a breeze.

“I make a double batch on Sunday and we eat it all week. It’s our meal-prep hero!”
– Nina R., Working Mom

Doubling the Recipe for a Crowd

Got guests coming over? This dish is a hit at potlucks, birthday parties, or even game day nights. To feed a bigger group:

• Double all the ingredients.
• Cook it in a large Dutch oven or casserole pan.
• Add a toppings bar so people can build their own bowls.

Everyone loves a build-your-own taco pasta night!

This taco spaghetti recipe is flexible, fast, and full of flavor, no matter how many mouths you’re feeding.

Print