If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that combines the best of two worlds—tacos and spaghetti—this Taco Spaghetti recipe is for you. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With ground beef, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and spaghetti noodles, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular on your menu. Plus, it’s one of my husband’s favorite meals, so you know it’s a winner! In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, share tips for customizing it to your taste, and explore why this dish is such a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why Taco Spaghetti Works
Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It takes the bold, zesty flavors of tacos and combines them with the comforting, carb-loaded goodness of spaghetti. The result is a dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s also highly versatile—you can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or swap out ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, Taco Spaghetti is a reliable go-to.
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade, to taste)
4 oz tomato paste
10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
2 cups water
8 oz spaghetti noodles (about half a standard pack)
1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Mexican blend, or your preferred variety)
Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or avocado
Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Add Taco Seasoning:
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef. The amount you use will depend on your taste preferences and the brand of seasoning. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust as needed. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
Incorporate Tomato Paste and Rotel:
Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes with green chilies (including their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine. The tomato paste adds richness and depth to the sauce, while the tomatoes bring a touch of heat and acidity.
Add Water and Spaghetti:
Pour in the water and add the spaghetti noodles. Break the noodles in half if necessary to fit them in the skillet. Mix everything together to ensure the noodles are fully covered by the liquid.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti is tender but still has a slight bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cheese:
Once the noodles are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Stir the cheese into the spaghetti for a creamy, gooey finish.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Taco Spaghetti hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro are all excellent choices.
Tips for Perfect Taco Spaghetti
- Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies and reduce the amount of taco seasoning. For extra heat, opt for hot diced tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skillet when cooking the ground beef.
- Use Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you have the time, make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne. It’s easy to adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Try Different Noodles: While spaghetti is classic, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even egg noodles.
- Make It Creamy: For a richer dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before adding the shredded cheese.
Why This Dish Is a Family Favorite
Taco Spaghetti is a hit for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup. Second, it’s budget-friendly, using simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Third, it’s highly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your family’s tastes. And finally, it’s just plain delicious! The combination of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and tender spaghetti is irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
While Taco Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, you can round it out with a few side dishes or toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the spaghetti.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls for a comforting meal.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, guacamole, sliced olives, and crushed tortilla chips for a fun, interactive dinner.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Taco Spaghetti makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it up in a skillet on the stove. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the best of tacos and pasta. It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to your liking, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience. Give it a try and see why it’s one of my husband’s favorite meals—it might just become one of yours too!