Try Our Zesty Taco Spaghetti Recipe: A Fiesta For Your Taste Buds

Spice up your weeknight dinner with a mouthwatering taco spaghetti that blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one irresistible dish.

This crowd-pleasing recipe combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting texture of pasta.

Ground beef sizzles with bold seasonings, creating a rich and hearty base that coats each strand of spaghetti perfectly.

Melted cheese adds a creamy layer of indulgence to this fusion masterpiece.

Colorful toppings like fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes bring brightness and extra punch to every bite.

Families and friends will devour this quick and easy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with this unexpected culinary adventure that promises to become a new dinnertime favorite.

Taco Spaghetti Storage Advice

• Store leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Warm gently in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of beef broth to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Package in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Taco Spaghetti freezes well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Separate pasta and sauce when storing to prevent soggy noodles. Combine just before serving for best taste and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative to beef in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess fat and follow the same seasoning instructions.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel you choose. For mild flavor, use original Rotel and a mild taco seasoning. If you prefer more heat, opt for spicy versions of both ingredients.

• What kind of pasta works best?

While the recipe uses spaghetti, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Choose a pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

Taco Spaghetti: What Makes It Special

• Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms intimidating cooking steps into a simple, approachable dish that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra veggies to make the recipe uniquely yours, perfect for family preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Fusion: Combines beloved Mexican and Italian flavors in one exciting dish that guarantees smiles around the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Taco Spaghetti Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds richness and flavor to the taco spaghetti.
• Spaghetti Pasta: The classic pasta base that serves as the foundation of this dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides creamy texture and bold taste.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a smooth and velvety consistency to the sauce.

• Rotel Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provides a tangy and robust tomato base for the sauce.
• Tomato Juice: Helps create a rich and flavorful liquid for the sauce.
• Onions, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning, Beef Broth: Infuses the meat and sauce with classic taco-inspired flavors.
• Butter: Helps sauté the onions and adds a rich, smooth element to the cooking process.

Taco Spaghetti Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Sauce Components

Grab a measuring cup and blend your sauce ingredients.

Carefully separate the tomato juice from the Rotel, keeping about 1/4 cup of the liquid set aside for later use.

Step 2: Brown Ground Meat

Heat a skillet and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned.

Drain any excess fat.

Pour in beef broth and sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then set the seasoned beef aside.

Step 3: Create Sauce Base

Pour the reserved tomato juice into a skillet.

Melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become translucent.

Add tomato paste and minced garlic, stirring to combine and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Build Sauce Layers

Introduce Rotel and your previously mixed sauce ingredients to the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Fold in the seasoned taco meat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Slowly incorporate cream cheese and shredded cheddar into the sauce, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Add cooked pasta to the skillet, gently mixing to coat every strand.

Allow the sauce to thicken for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Cheesy, Zesty Taco Spaghetti

• Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove excess fat, ensuring a crisp, non-greasy taco spaghetti.
• Reserve Rotel tomato juice and reduce it in the skillet to concentrate the tangy, spicy essence before building the sauce.
• Add cream cheese and cheddar gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
• Cook spaghetti just al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce while simmering, preventing mushy noodles.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties to match your heat preference.

Taco Spaghetti Styles and Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to increase heat. Mix in smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Zoodle Option: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, carb-reduced alternative. Keep all other ingredients the same.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti

• Fiesta Family Feast: Serve this zesty taco spaghetti with vibrant side companions that complement its rich, bold flavors.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Top with a dollop of fresh sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt to balance the spicy, cheesy pasta.
• Fresh Green Crunch: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or crisp lettuce for added texture and brightness.
• Southwest Side Kick: Pair with warm corn tortillas, quick guacamole, or a light black bean salad to complete the Mexican-inspired meal.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spaghetti meets Mexican flair in this mouthwatering Taco Spaghetti that combines pasta’s comfort with zesty taco flavors. Quick and easy, this dish delivers a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning

Pasta and Sauce Base:

• 3/4 pound spaghetti
• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 2/3 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 (10 ounce) can rotel tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Drain Rotel tomatoes, reserving juice for later use in the sauce preparation.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, ensuring complete cooking and thorough drainage of excess fat.
3. Season beef with taco seasoning and beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop flavors for 2-3 minutes.
4. In the same skillet, reduce reserved tomato juice to concentrate its flavor profile.
5. Sauté diced onions in butter until translucent, then incorporate tomato paste and minced garlic.
6. Add Rotel tomatoes and prepared sauce mixture to the skillet, bringing the combination to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.
7. Fold in the seasoned taco meat, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
8. Gradually incorporate cream cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture.
9. Introduce cooked pasta to the sauce, gently mixing to coat each strand thoroughly.
10. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, permitting the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent watery sauce, using a fine-mesh strainer ensures perfect consistency.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, but keep moisture by not overcooking the meat.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly protein option.
• Room temperature cream cheese melts smoother, creating a more velvety sauce texture without lumps.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg