Taco Spaghetti
Taco spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight dinner—cheesy, spicy, and ready in 30 minutes! It combines ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, and melty cheese for a fun Tex-Mex twist on a comfort classic.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti break in half for easier serving
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey works, too
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups beef broth you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
Optional toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Add the diced onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Season and simmer
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and tomato sauce.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. It should create a silky, creamy texture that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Combine the pasta and sauce
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat every strand of pasta in the flavorful sauce. Make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 6: Top with cheese and bake (optional)
- If you’d like to turn this into a taco spaghetti casserole, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
- Serve your taco spaghetti warm, topped with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a simple green salad or tortilla chips on the side for a complete meal.