If you love the bold flavors of tacos but crave something a little different for dinner, you have to try this Taco Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brilliantly combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the zest and spice of taco seasoning, making it a fun, unexpected twist on two favorites. Packed with seasoned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and a luscious cheese sauce, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or saving for tasty leftovers. The vibrant colors and harmonious layers of flavor make this Taco Spaghetti Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and one of those meals you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small white bowls and plates with different ingredients on a white marbled surface. There is one bowl with light brown cooked noodles, one bowl with orange shredded cheese, and another bowl with green chopped bell peppers. Other bowls have chopped white onions, red diced bell peppers, and red chunky salsa. A small bowl holds minced garlic, another has brown spices, and another has white powder. There is also a plate with a square of raw ground beef, a glass with light brown liquid, and a small square of yellow butter. The arrangement is neat and all bowls are white except for a few clear glass ones. The scene is bright with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Grab a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a dish with incredible flavor and comforting texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the hearty ground beef and melted cheddar cheese to the fresh vegetables and creamy sauce that make this Taco Spaghetti Recipe truly special.

16 oz. spaghetti: The pasta forms a perfect canvas to soak up all those delicious taco-inspired flavors.
16 oz. ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein and texture that’s essential for this recipe.
1 packet taco seasoning: Delivers the iconic taco spice blend that defines the dish’s bold taste.
6 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce and helps cook the veggies tenderly.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings a sweet sharpness that balances the spices perfectly.
1 small green bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild, fresh crunch and beautiful color.
1 small red bell pepper, diced: Offers sweetness and vibrancy to the mix.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a creamy, luscious consistency.
14.5 oz. can beef broth: Provides savory liquid that enhances the sauce’s flavor and keeps things moist.
1.5 cups heavy cream: Creates indulgent creaminess that makes every bite utterly satisfying.
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding rich cheesy goodness.
10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies: Adds tangy tomato notes and a mild kick of heat without overpowering.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in every ingredient.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds subtle heat and brightens the overall taste.
Fresh chopped cilantro: A fresh herbal finish that lifts the dish.
Thinly sliced green onion: Perfect for a crisp, flavorful garnish.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling your spaghetti until it’s al dente—meaning it still has just a bit of bite. Toss the cooked noodles with a touch of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper; this simple step prevents sticking and starts adding subtle flavor before the sauce joins the party.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to crumble it as it cooks, allowing every bit to brown evenly and develop rich, savory notes. This browning is what builds that deep taco flavor that makes the Taco Spaghetti Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Sprinkle in about two-thirds of the taco seasoning packet and splash in a little water to help the seasoning coat the meat evenly. Once fully combined and fragrant, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside — it’s going to join the sauce shortly!

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan (no need to clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and both bell peppers with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for 5–6 minutes until the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness, creating an aromatic base for your sauce.

Step 5: Add Garlic and More Seasoning

Throw in the minced garlic along with the remaining taco seasoning. Stir constantly for about a minute so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its fragrant oils into the mixture—this elevates the dish’s flavor complexity!

Step 6: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your cooked veggies and stir it in. Cooking for one minute helps eliminate the raw flour taste and sets you up for a smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 7: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in about half a cup of beef broth, stirring continuously so the liquid loosens any browned bits from the pan and combines with the roux to form a thick mixture. Lower the heat and add the remaining broth plus the heavy cream, stirring until your sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Mix in the shredded sharp cheddar until it melts into the sauce, lending that wonderful gooey texture and rich flavor. Next, fold in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies — these bring a fruity tang and gentle heat that rounds out the sauce wonderfully.

Step 9: Combine Everything

Stir the seasoned ground beef back into the sauce. Taste for final seasoning adjustments; then gently toss in your cooked pasta, making sure every strand is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. This is the moment all those delicious flavors meld together in perfect harmony.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe

A white pot with two handles is filled with a thick, orange-brown sauce that has visible small bits of vegetables like green and red pieces scattered throughout. On top of this sauce, inside the pot, there is a pile of light beige, thin spaghetti noodles, loosely arranged in a circular shape. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish off your dish with toppings that add texture and brighten each bite. A sprinkling of fresh chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions complements the creamy, spicy spaghetti with a refreshing pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing this Taco Spaghetti Recipe with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm corn tortillas, or even a zesty Mexican street corn salad. These sides provide freshness and balance the richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls garnished with dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime. You could also spoon it over baked potatoes or stuff it into bell peppers for a fun, family-friendly twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your Taco Spaghetti Recipe leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as good, if not better.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Divide portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date for freshness. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore that creamy texture. You can also microwave it, but watch closely to avoid drying out the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a lighter alternative and still pairs beautifully with the taco seasoning and creamy sauce in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe.

What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes? Can I substitute them?

You can substitute with diced tomatoes and a bit of chopped green chilies or jalapeños for heat. Fresh tomatoes won’t provide quite the same canned tomato flavor but still work well.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice is mild to moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes; you can always adjust by adding extra chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef with seasoned lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat to keep the hearty texture while embracing a vegetarian version.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its flavor and meltability, but you could experiment with Monterey Jack or a blend for a milder or creamier profile in your Taco Spaghetti Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is pure comfort food with a lively twist, perfect for when you want something fun and satisfying on the dinner table. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and loved by everyone who tries it. Give it a go tonight — I promise it will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!