Taco Spaghetti
Taco night meets pasta night in this Tex-Mex flavored Taco Spaghetti. This 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights, serving a big crowd, or just simply satisfying your taco cravings!
A Classic Gets a Makeover
We all love the classics—spaghetti, mac and cheese, taco night. But every now and then, they need a little refresh. That’s where taco spaghetti steps in. It takes the nostalgic comfort of a traditional spaghetti dish and gives it a bold, Tex-Mex makeover.
The result? A meal that’s as cozy as it is fresh—think your childhood favorite dinner but way more fun. My skeptical family looooved this dinner!
Basic Ingredients For Taco Spaghetti
- Spaghetti noodles
- Ground Beef– We like to use lean ground beef.
- Onions, bell peppers, and garlic
- Taco seasoning– Use low-sodium taco seasoning so you can control the salt.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles- The fire roasted is our favorite.
- Red enchilada sauce– We use mild so it isn’t too spicy.
- Mexican cheese blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Toppings
Of course the toppings are an absolute must and you can really have fun with the options. Classics would be shredded cheese, fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and sour cream. But don’t stop there! Avocado slices would be divine along with sliced black olives, and even shredded lettuce would give it a fresh crunch.
How To Make This Taco Spaghetti
You can find the full details in the recipe card below but here is the gist.
Cook the pasta- Make sure to only cook the pasta al dente, drain, and lightly rinse with warm or cold water.
Brown the ground beef and veggies– In a large skillet sauté the ground beef until cooked then add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook veggies a few more minutes.
Make the meat sauce- To the ground beef and veggies add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and enchilada sauce. Continue to cook until mixture is thickened.
Assemble taco spaghetti– This is preference, but we like to serve the pasta and meat sauce separate. Add a layer of noodles to your plate and top with meat sauce. Garnish with plenty of cheese and other taco toppings you enjoy.
Variations & Tips
- Want it spicier? Use a medium or hot enchilada sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the meat for black beans or lentils.
- Extra creamy? Add a splash of cream to the meat sauce.
- Add more veggies: Corn or zucchini mix in perfectly.
Taco Spaghetti
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (1.25) ounce packet low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1 (10) ounce can Rotel fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (10) ounce can mild red enchilada sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- shredded Mexican cheese blend
Toppings
- fresh tomatoes
- cilantro
- green onions
- sour cream
Instructions
- Cook 1 pound spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse lightly with warm or cool water.
- In a large skillet brown 1 pound ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Add 1/2 cup diced onions, 1 small green pepper diced, and 2 garlic cloves, minced. Sauté veggies for 4-5 minutes.
- To the cooked ground beef and veggies add 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 can tomatoes with green chiles, and 1 can mild enchilada sauce. Stir to combine and continue to simmer and cook until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble a serving of cooked pasta on a plate, then top with meat sauce, cheese, and taco toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
More Recipes You’re Sure To Enjoy
If you love easy, flavor-packed dinners like this taco spaghetti, you’ll definitely want to check out a few more favorites from our kitchen. Try Oven Baked Tacos for an easy twist on taco night, or cozy up with this cheesy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole that practically cooks itself.
Need a quick stovetop option? Skillet Chicken Spaghetti with Spinach is a meal that sneaks in some greens without sacrificing flavor. And for a hearty, layered crowd-pleaser, don’t miss a family favorite, Mexican Lasagna.
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