If you love the bold flavors of tacos but are craving something comforting and hearty, this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It combines the zesty, spicy notes of classic taco seasoning with luscious, melty cheddar cheese, all tossed perfectly with tender spaghetti noodles. This fusion dish is not only super simple to prepare but also brings together the best of two worlds in one pan, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this cheesy, savory, and slightly tangy pasta, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role to build that signature Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe flavor. From savory protein to melty cheese and vibrant tomatoes, you’ll see how easy pantry staples transform into something extraordinary.
- Ground beef (1 lb, 85% lean): The hearty base that adds rich flavor and satisfying texture to the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onions and brown the beef beautifully without sticking.
- Diced red onion (1 cup): Brings a subtle sweetness and slight crunch for balance.
- Taco seasoning packet (about 1 oz): The spice mix that infuses the dish with that irresistible southwestern flair.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, undrained): Adds juicy acidity and mild heat, keeping things vibrant and fresh.
- Dry spaghetti (8 oz): The perfect pasta to soak up all those taco-seasoned flavors.
- Water (3 cups): Turns into the cooking liquid so the pasta cooks right in the savory sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): The gooey, creamy finish that makes this taco pasta dreamy and irresistibly cheesy.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced red onion and ground beef. You want to break up the beef with your spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly and the onions to soften nicely, about 6 to 8 minutes. This foundational step develops the rich flavor that carries through the entire dish.
Step 2: Drain Excess Grease
Once the beef is browned and onions are tender, drain any leftover grease from the pan if necessary. This helps keep the final dish from becoming greasy, ensuring that every bite is perfectly balanced and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning, Tomatoes, Spaghetti, and Water
Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet into the skillet alongside the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes. Pour in the dry spaghetti and then add the water. Stir everything together well so the pasta is submerged and coated with the taco-spiced mixture, which will infuse the noodles with bold flavor while they cook.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let everything simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check that the pasta is cooking evenly. You’ll want the spaghetti tender and the liquid mostly absorbed when done.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The warmth from the pasta will melt the cheese perfectly, creating that rich, creamy texture that makes this dish such a comforting treat. Give it a few stirs until the cheese is fully combined.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Dish out your Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe immediately for best results. The cheesy sauce will be smooth, and the flavors at their peak, making for a delightful meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe, consider adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro for a punch of herbaceous brightness or extra diced tomatoes to add a fresh, juicy contrast. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions also pairs beautifully to round out the flavors.
Side Dishes
Although this dish is filling on its own, light and fresh sides complement it perfectly. Think along the lines of a crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette, or simple roasted vegetables to add a touch of earthiness. Cornbread or tortilla chips also works well if you want to keep that southwestern theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins and topping each with a handful of crunchy crushed tortilla chips. You could also prepare it as a casserole by layering the cooked pasta with extra cheese and baking it until bubbly for a crowd-pleasing presentation that’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, it’s ideal to freeze before adding the cheese. Store the taco spaghetti mixture—without cheese—in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then stir in fresh cheese after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth and stir occasionally to keep the pasta moist and prevent sticking. Re-melting some extra cheddar cheese while reheating will help recreate that freshly cooked creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will absorb the taco seasoning just as nicely, offering the same delicious flavor profile with less fat.
What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have Rotel, you can substitute with diced tomatoes and add a small chopped jalapeño or some green chilies for heat. This keeps the dish flavorful and gives you control over the spice level.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety. Just keep an eye on cooking times as gluten-free pasta can cook a bit differently.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based beef crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. The taco seasoning and cheese will still provide plenty of bold flavors.
How spicy is this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the taco seasoning and mild heat from the Rotel tomatoes. If you prefer it less spicy, choose mild taco seasoning and use tomatoes without chilies. For extra heat, add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños when cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe is such a fun and tasty way to jazz up your pasta routine. It’s a perfect blend of comforting cheese and zesty taco flavors that’s ready in a flash and loved by kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug and a fiesta on a plate at the same time, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines seasoned ground beef, spaghetti, and melted cheddar cheese with a zesty taco twist. This easy and hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a perfect blend of Mexican-inspired flavors and classic pasta goodness.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup diced red onion
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 oz dry spaghetti
- 3 cups water
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Aromatics and Meat: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced red onion and 1 lb ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain Excess Grease: If necessary, carefully drain excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add Seasonings and Pasta: To the skillet, add 1 packet taco seasoning and 1 can (10 oz) of undrained Rotel tomatoes. Then add 8 oz dry spaghetti and 3 cups water directly into the skillet.
- Combine and Boil: Stir all ingredients well to combine, making sure the spaghetti is submerged as much as possible. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and fully combined.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy taco spaghetti hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or extra diced tomatoes for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef to balance flavor and reduce excess fat.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein and use vegetarian taco seasoning.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of water to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
