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Taco Spaghetti

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:53 GMT Hearty Main Dishes
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By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

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.

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.

3.87 from 287 votes

Taco Spaghetti

Prep Time:
5 Minutes
Cook Time:
20 Minutes
Total Time:
25 Minutes
Servings:
6
A bowl of spaghetti topped with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
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A tasty fusion of spaghetti and tacos with seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Ready in 25 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1.

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

2.

2. Cook Veggies: Heat oil in a big pan and cook onions until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

3.

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

4.

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

5.

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

6.

6. Finish: 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