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Taco Spaghetti

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This creamy taco spaghetti combines pasta with Mexican flavors. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and melted cheese create a rich, satisfying meal that brings together the best of Italian and Mexican cuisine.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:53 GMT
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A bowl of spaghetti topped with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Pin it
A bowl of spaghetti topped with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make taco spaghetti ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce with a splash of broth to loosen it up, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed and season well with the taco seasoning.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Use hot diced tomatoes with chilies, add fresh jalapeños while cooking the onions, or mix in some cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning. You can also top with hot sauce before serving.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Any pasta shape works well in this recipe. Try penne, rotini, or shells - they all hold the creamy sauce nicely. Just cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Taco Spaghetti

A tasty fusion of spaghetti and tacos with seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Ready in 25 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter.
02 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped.
03 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced.
04 1 1/2 pounds ground beef.
05 1 packet taco seasoning mix.
06 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies.
07 1 1/2 cups beef broth.
08 3 tablespoons tomato paste.
09 3 ounces cream cheese, softened.
10 12 ounces spaghetti.
11 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend.
12 Fresh cilantro leaves for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook spaghetti in salted water until tender but firm. Save some pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Heat oil in a big pan and cook onions until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 03

Add beef to the pan, break it up while cooking until no pink shows. Drain off extra fat.

Step 04

Mix in taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth, paste and cream cheese. Stir until creamy and smooth.

Step 05

Turn off heat. Add cooked spaghetti and cheese to the pan. Toss until well mixed.

Step 06

Top with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Add hot tomatoes or jalapeños for extra heat.
  2. Try adding bell peppers or zucchini.
  3. Turkey or veggie crumbles work instead of beef.
  4. Keeps in fridge up to 4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pasta pot.
  • Colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 32 g