January 8, 2024
Review RecipeTaco Spaghetti
This tasty taco spaghetti is a tasty, kid-friendly and easy weeknight meal that’s made with seasoned ground beef, spaghetti, taco seasoning, and gooey, melted cheese.
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One-pot taco spaghetti is an easy and delicious comfort food dinner that has all the tasty Mexican flavors of tacos but in spaghetti form. The taco meat and tomatoes smell incredible as they cook and with only a single skillet, there’s barely any clean-up afterward.
For more simple one-pot pasta recipes, take a look at our chicken fajita pasta and this million-dollar spaghetti which combines spaghetti and lasagna into one epic casserole!
Taco Spaghetti Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 pound of ground beef
- ¼ cup of yellow onions
- ¼ cup of taco seasoning mix, 1 packet or homemade taco seasoning
- 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes
- 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups of water
- 4 ounces of cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
PRO TIP:
It’s best to grate your own cheese rather than use the pre-grated version in the bag. That’s because it usually has a preservative coating on it which means it doesn’t melt as well.
Substitutions And Additions
GROUND BEEF: You can easily make this taco spaghetti recipe vegetarian by switching the meat for your favorite vegetarian ground beef alternative or even black beans. You could also opt for ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork instead of ground beef.
TACO SEASONING: Instead of using a packet of taco seasoning, if you have a well-stocked spice rack you can easily make your own taco seasoning with red pepper flakes, chili powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
ROTEL TOMATOES: These are basically just canned tomatoes and chiles, so you can easily substitute fresh or canned tomatoes and fresh or dried green chiles. If you are looking for tomatoes with less spice, you can use a can of diced tomatoes or even salsa.
CHEDDAR CHEESE: Any other cheese would work for this great recipe, including Jack, Colby, Swiss, a Mexican cheese blend, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you prefer.
VEGETABLES: To make this taco spaghetti recipe more healthy you could add some mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini or any other veggies that need using up.
PASTA: Any long pasta would work well in this recipe. You can even use zucchini noodles if you’d like.
How To Make This Taco Spaghetti Recipe
STEP ONE: Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
STEP TWO: Brown the ground beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain meat if needed.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
For an even quicker cooking time, ground beef can be cooked ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
STEP THREE: Add the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes (including the juice), uncooked spaghetti noodles, and water. Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil.
STEP FOUR: Once the water comes to a boil reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the spaghetti is al dente.
STEP FIVE: Remove from the heat. Sprinkle half of the cheese into the pan and stir well.
STEP SIX: Top with remaining shredded cheese and cilantro, then serve.
PRO TIP:
You can always add your favorite taco toppings such as extra cheese, green onions and a dollop of sour cream.
How To Serve
Pick this one-pot taco spaghetti recipe for a quick weeknight dinner alongside a salad for a complete meal. A spoonful of homemade salsa and guacamole would be delicious on top of this dish.
MORE PASTA RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers of this taco spaghetti pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.
IN THE FREEZER: Taco spaghetti with ground beef freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
This one-pot Mexican spaghetti dish is so easy to make and is sure to please the whole family. Taco pasta tastes even better the next day, so you may wish to set some aside and take it to work for lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta in this recipe?
This simple recipe will work with any pasta, either long pasta or bite-size pasta is fine. Just adjust the cooking time depending on how long the package directions indicate.
Can I freeze this dish?
Taco spaghetti will freeze well in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I turn this dish into a vegetarian version?
If you replace the ground meat with either beans or a vegetarian ground meat substitute, you can make this dish vegetarian.
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Taco Spaghetti
This tasty taco spaghetti is a tasty, kid-friendly and easy weeknight meal that’s made with seasoned ground beef, spaghetti, taco seasoning, and gooey, melted cheese.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions
- ¼ cup taco seasoning, (1 packet)
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
- Brown ground beef and onion in the skillet until the meat is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes (including juice), spaghetti noodles, and water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle half of the cheese into the pan and stir to distribute the cooked spaghetti and cheese throughout the pan.
- Top with remaining cheese and cilantro. Serve.
Video
Notes
- It’s best to grate your own cheese rather than use the pre-grated version in the bag. That’s because it usually has a preservative coating on it which means it doesn’t melt as well.
- For an even quicker cooking time, ground beef can be cooked ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
- You can always add your favorite taco toppings such as extra cheese, green onions and a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 977mg | Potassium: 412mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1259IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 3mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Gloria says
This is my son’s absolute favorite – he loves tacos and spaghetti, so this is a real winner!
Fel says
I’m curious.. do we drain the meat after browning?
Layne Kangas says
If you use a lean ground beef, you might not need to drain. If you have a lot of grease left, I would recommend draining. Enjoy!
Randy says
I drained mine and cooked the pasta separately and used a sharp cheddar
LeDell says
Can this be frozen after it’s cooked.
Layne Kangas says
Yes, it will keep for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. I would suggest thawing overnight in the fridge before warming up the leftovers on the stovetop or microwave. Enjoy!
Cookmom says
I love fast and easy tasty recipes. I cook for a crew of guys and this one went over really well. Definitely doing it again.
april says
Are the nutritional values per the entire amount or per serving? If per serving, what size serving?
Layne Kangas says
It’s per serving – there are six servings in this recipe but we haven’t measured out the serving size.
Brooke says
Would this be good with chicken instead of ground beef?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried it that way so I’m not sure if any adjustments would need to be made. I think it would work!
Shelia says
Loved it and so Easy ❤️❤️❤️
Sue says
The was so easy to make and my husband loved ii. For me it was a little spicey because of the Rotel Tomatoes (I used the original, not the mild for this try), but I added just a bit of sour cream to my plate and it cooled it right down. Will definitely make again.
Amber says
Made this tonight! Super good!
Gloria says
Can you use think speghett?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, enjoy!
Betty Hastings says
Taco Spaghetti was delicious.. I would try this one again and give to friend.
Dennis says
1 packet of taco seasoning equals 1/4 C?
Ron says
Definitely a keeper! I added julienned zucchini for a little color. The cilantro was a must! Thanks for sharing!
Kim says
So easy and so tasty! Rotel is too spicy for me so I subbed in some canned chili seasoned tomatoes and also stirred in a little bit of queso sauce at the end. A total hit with the whole family! Definitely a keeper recipe!
Lorie H says
Great recipe – family LOVED it!
Laura says
Delicious, I used a pint of homemade salsa instead of the can of rotel and it was perfect!
June says
I made this with spiral zucchini noodles it was very tasty. Followed the recipe as written
Colleen says
Made this tonight for my husband and myself. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t have any canned tomatoes on hand but lots of fresh ones from my garden so used some of them. Delicious!
Gloria says
Easy, delicious dinner that my family loves – a big hit with the kids!
Lisa says
This was super easy and delicious. I cannot believe how easy it was and very yummy……made my own taco seasoning, great recipe, will be making this again. Thanks. Ps…used marinara sauce instead of tomatoes…..not a fan of chunky cooked ones, but excellent!!
lanita bradshaw says
WE MADE THIS TONIGHT IT WAS REALLY GOOD
Brittany McG says
I doubled the recipe using 1 packet of seasoning. Very good!
Tara says
Did you double the water too?
Mary Bates says
Love this! So good, I don’t know how I have never thought of this! Thank You for the recipe!
Barbara Young says
One of the best casseroles I’ve had. It’s definitely a keeper
Robyn says
Followed the recipe exactly. It came out perfect. Nice change from the same old spegetti. The mild rotel really gives it such great flavor. I think next time I will try the Hot Rotel to make it a bit more spicy. Family absolutely loved it. I also loved that i could put the pasta in on top and be done with it. Will be making again soon! Thanks
Sarah says
Our family loves this!
Pam says
Made it with the Mexican Rogelio with cilantro, and boy is this good!
Pam says
Made it with the Mexican Rotel with cilantro, and boy is this good!
Bonnie says
This recipe is absolutely delicious. I have made it several times. My husband loves it and asks me to make it all the time. I add a cup of whole kernel corn, and top it with some sliced ripe olives. We love it! Thank you for sharing!
Reen says
Instead of water I use beef broth.
Saverla Williams says
Very nice recipe! I made this for dinner and it turned really good! Even my picky son liked it! Thx for the recipe!
Linda Elmquist says
Could you do this in a crockpot? If so would you do it the same way as you would on the stove ?
Lexus Monroe, Editorial Assistant says
Although we have not tried it. You can make taco spaghetti in a crockpot. I am sure you would have to adjust the timing.
Ellen says
Very easy to make and it was delish . My husband enjoyed it and said it’s a keeper.
Becky says
I think I would use shell noodles for this recipe or even use it as the filling for stuffed shells.
Frank Narciso says
Great recipe.
I use a combination of ground pork, ground veal and ground turkey. Lots of caramelized onions and garlic also make for a real tasty meal.
Kristin Threlkeld says
This looks absolutely delicious! I’d use ground beef in mine. I think some black beans would taste great in here. Maybe a bit of salsa and sour cream on top before serving. We’re not big fans of too much spice. I’ve never made or ate zucchini noodles. This recipe sounds like a must-try!
Robi says
I would use ground beef and possibly add black beans. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Sounds good!
Marie Stowers says
This recipe sounds delicious. I would use regular spaghetti noodles , not zucchini as my husband won’t be eat anything with zucchini not even a dessert like chocolate zucchini bread!
Ashley A. says
Looks delicious, I’m going to try this tonight. I would definitely use ground beef in response to your survey question!
Geri says
Absolutely delicious! Family loved it!! Next time I might add a little chopped jalapeño for a bit of spiciness.
Cathy says
Love taco spaghetti
Sheila J Williams says
We make this often. For the protein I use ground beef or my own HOMEMADE BEEF/PORK TACOS….SO GOOD. Plus we add mild chili’s, refried beans, cumin, onion powder and GARLIC. This recipe on its own is super easy AND DELICIOUS!!! I love simple recipes I can “doctor” to our tastes. If you are NEW TO COOKING…THIS SITE IS FOR YOU!! EASY FUN DELICIOUS 😋 ❤❤❤💯💯💯
Jenn W says
I’m going to try this with ground turkey and add in diced bell pepper. Excited for dinner!
Stephanie C. says
This is sooo yummy! I use ground turkey, bell pepper, celery and adobo peppers to jazz it up.❤️ My family loves Monterey Jack cheese and sour cream on all things Mexican inspired. This is going on my meal prep rotation!!🥰
Tracy Oldaker says
This is fun! And as with every ground beef recipe, I’d probably go half grass fed ground beef and half lean Turkey breast. But I might wanna try it with Zoodles!!! Kind of reminds me of when we had to try spaghetti tacos because my daughters were obsessed with the TV Show iCarly! 😄
Antonina Lechowicz says
I would make the taco spaghetti using ground chicken.
Grace Culbreath says
I would stick with the ground beef. This recipe looks great, as is! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Kelly Kardos says
This does look comforting!! I’d definitely use ground beef.
KJ says
I think this recipe would sounds great! I would make it with zucchini or spaghetti squash noodles!
Carol A Clendenen says
Wow we love all the flavors in this casserole! I would spice it up with some chopped jalapeños
Kelly says
I haven’t made this yet but I can’t wait to try! This looks like a fun way to change up Taco Tuesday!
Lori Pennington says
I have never made nor have I ever tried taco spaghetti but I hear it is pretty amazing gonna have to make it one day……
Tonya says
I think I would add a little more spice to this. Can’t wait to try!
Janice Brown says
Spicy, spicy and definitely, although I’m watching carbs, I would use real spaghetti pasta. Bell peppers would also be an option..n
Alexis Huggins says
We use ground beef and put fresh peppers and onions in ours!
Vikki says
Yes, I will try this, and I would use noodles and I would use ground beef .
Teresa Gerber says
I’ve never heard of this recipe, but I think ground beef would be tastiest!!
Jenny says
Such a fun twist on a pasta dish. When I make dishes like this, I tend to use ground turkey for the protein. The flavor of the ground beef isn’t missed that much, with all of the other delicious ingredients! My kids love it.
Lauren Taneyhill says
1) I would stick with regular ground beef for this recipe.
2) I would add bell peppers and mushrooms to this recipe.
3) no I wouldn’t- I want the taco seasoning to be the focus of this recipe, not making it spicy.
4) I would stay with regular spaghetti noodles.
5) no I haven’t – yet. I will make it soon! It sounds delicious.
Janis says
I would not make it spicy. More cilantro and cheese.
Laura says
Such an amazing recipe! Soooo good! Have made it with spaghetti squash (the one squash the garden actually produced a bunch of!) and grass fed local ground beef. Thanks for always posting such amazing recipes!!!! 😋
patricia L wright says
I would use the ground beef or chicken as a protein
I might add corn to it
I love spaghetti it’s a perfect comfort food but never tried taco spaghetti so will definitely try this recipe
Karen says
Our local grocery store sells a ground beef and ground pork mixture. I think it would be perfect for this recipe!
Rosana says
Looks delicious. Will be trying this recipe at next family gathering. I would use ground beef or even ground turkey for this recipe.
Sheila Little says
This wound be great with ground Turkey and I would like to add maybe cut up red peppers maybe even some shredded carrots but not to much.
Charlotte Hamilton says
1. I would use Gardein crumbles instead of beef.
2. I would add mushrooms to it
3. I would use a mild salsa to add to the sauce.
4. I would use either regular spaghetti noodles or spaghetti squash:)
5. I can’t wait to try this since I have never made it before and I know my 6 kids would love the new twist on their boring pasta!
Stephanie says
I really look forward to making this recipe as it looks easy & scrumptious. I think it is a perfect starter recipe for me as I have never made this before 😋😋
Sue says
Going to be trying this recipe. Love spaghetti and this recipe is like looking outside the box for ideas for new recipes.
Dole Kapenya says
Wow! So delicious 😋. I will definitely try to make it.
Thank you for sharing
Judie Thomas says
I would probably add diced green pepper for color and for my taste
Tina G. says
I think this looks yummy. I will probably double the recipe for plenty of leftovers. I like to do a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey to lighten it up a bit.
Crystal says
Love this recipe. It was so easy to make and quick. Very very tasty.
Jennifer Pleake says
Can’t wait to try this! I feel like there are so many things you could do with this recipe. I am a veggie person, so would probably add some green chilies or roasted poblano peppers. I would probably make this with ground beef the first time and possibly switch to a ground port the next time.
Patsy says
I’ve never had Taco Spaghetti but am really excited to try this recipe. I’m going to use ground turkey & add some black beans to my pot. Should be yummy and something different for my family.
Gabriela B. says
I’d use chicken or turkey for the protein, and go a step further by putting it in taco shells.
Pam Springs says
Sounds delicious! I would use ground beef and regular spaghetti. No need to spice it up – top with some guacamole and/or sour cream!
Arthur N. Greene says
I’d like to make this Taco Spaghetti a little spicy! Adding a small can of Chopped Green Chili’s would work, as well as cooking up a couple (or just one!) of Hot Italian Sausage. Yum! I’m sure either ingredient would add to the flavor of this recipe!
Carolyn Robinson Carnegie says
Haven’t tried it yet, but it looks delicious and easy to make. I’m the cook for my union and we have meetings every month. Well, guess what……we are having Taco Spaghetti for August. Can’t wait to try it. I think I would like to add diced green pepper in it as adding a little more veggies, and I certainly don’t want it spicy. Oh wow, and it certainly won’t hurt to add just a few green or black olives in this dish. The ground beef is fine. The only other protein that I would substitute for the beef is turkey. Very appealing. Long pasta is good. Served with a salad and garlic bread…..yeah, that is my menu for August!
Susan Paro says
Yummy!! I will be adding this to my weekly rotation for “Taco Tuesdays” 🙂 I am going to add tortilla strips on top for the added crunch along with extra cheese!
Wendy Tanguay says
My husband is not an onion fan so I would probably leave them out. I can imagine sprinkling on some Fritos or crushed tortilla chips or Doritos on the top. I would probably add beans to this and can imagine making it with shredded chicken or TVP.
Cindy says
I would add bell peppers.
G Patterson says
This looks great! I’ll probably add some black olives and finish with sour cream when done. Has anyone ever tried this in an instant pot? I not much of a cook, my late husband did that, so now, the quicker, the better. Plus less to clean up!
June Myklebust says
sounds great the only difference I would make would be to use red lentil spaghetti noodles
Susan R says
My first time making this. Made recipe just as written. My husband and I loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Bruce says
What a surprise!! I made this for my daughter and her family and they absolutely loved it, the sour cream really pulled it all together.
Gail says
This was like taco Tuesday outside the box! Really great. Like another commenter, I too used salsa instead of Rotel. I enjoyed the additional flavor. I also added black olives and Mexican cheese. Definitely will be making again!
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
Awesome recipe! I don’t have kids in my house anymore but I am going to make this recipe soon. Pinned of course. Thanks for sharing it. This post will also be a feature this coming week. #HomeMattersParty
Lynette says
I made this tonight and my husband and I loved it. The only change I made is I used 2lbs of hamburger because that’s what I had. I will duplicate the extra hamburger when I make this again.
Joyce says
Recovering from Covid don’t have a lot of energy.
I used multi colored rotini,
Taco seasoning it says 1/4 cup or one packet a packet is 2 tablespoons. I used 1/4 cup of home made taco seasoning it turned out good.
If I make it again I believe I’ll use less water.
Brandi W says
My family loved this recipe. I had to double it because of my family size. I made a slight change, simply because I didn’t have enough Rotel and didn’t want to run to the store. I used a bit of Herdez Salsa Verde in place of the 2nd can of Rotel (from doubling the recipe). Even my daughter, who only likes to eat pasta with a marinara sauce, loved it! Am printing out for future use. Thank you!
Randy says
Amazing!! Next time I would like to double the recipe so would I simply double all ingredients?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Randy – yes, that’s what I would do. Enjoy!
CB says
This was very good. I had leftover ground chicken with taco seasonings I needed to do something with. This was a nice surprise. As Bruce suggested in their comment, I added a little sour cream on my plate. Good with or without sour cream.
Phyllis r says
this recipe was awesomely delicious!!
Ashley says
Just made this tonight and it’s amazing
Herman says
Look delicious and I put taco seasoning in my chili
Lindsay says
This was easy to make and delicious! It might not be enough for my hungry teen even though it is a lot. I will definitely make this again soon.
Dana Queen says
Made it with extra beef. Delicious
Susan says
I made this and it was delicious
Randy says
Simply put ” outstanding ” I am going to make again … 2x … do I use 2 packets of taco seasoning … the 2x recipe on the site suggests 1 ?
Thanks
Randy
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Randy – yes, I would double everything. Our recipe card has the feature when you hit “print” that you can say how many servings you want and it will automatically adjust amounts. Glad you enjoyed it!
Marty McCallie says
The best spaghetti I’ve ever eaten…but I LOVE flavor so I put the whole pack of seasoning which was Chili. I didn’t have taco…and I only use whole grain, whole wheat pasta.
Coni says
Made this for dinner with some garlic bread. Had to double the recipe for my family, came out delicious,
Barbara says
I was afraid it wouldn’t be flavorful enough but it was delicious!!!! I’m sure even better as a leftover.
Trudy says
I followed your recipe except I doubled everything to feed a crowd and I did it in the instant pot for 7 minutes high pressure. It turned out amazing! Everyone loved it!!
Holly says
I was wondering if this could be done in the instant pot! Great to know it only takes 7 minutes on high pressure!
Barbara Hojnacki says
Delicious!! I added a can of corn to the recipe and everyone loved it!
Lisa Renee Huff says
I never thought about putting corn in it. I’m gonna try it thanks barbara
Kelly Tremblay says
Omg. So good
Kathy says
I made this for dinner tonight, and it was a big hit, even my little 4 year old picky grandson loved it. This is a keeper 👏
Lisa Huff says
I made this and everyone loved it so now that’s all they want me to make lol
Dorothy says
This is a great recipe! It came together quickly. I reduced the water to 2/3 cup because I cooked the spaghetti separate.
I topped it with olives, green onion, cherry tomatoes, green pepper, taco sauce, sour cream and the extra cheese! Yum
Thank you for this great recipe!
Gina Adams says
I thought it was good and my mother liked it to
Jill Hassing says
This was a family favorite. Topped with sour cream which turned the dish into a creamy taco pasta yumtown
Rosalind Farley says
Could this be done in a crock pot?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Rosalind – here’s our crockpot taco spaghetti, enjoy!
HOLLY says
I made this recipe tonight for the first time and my adult son just loved it! I loved it as well because I didn’t expect too, but I was wrong! I’ll definitely make this again for my adult son when he asks. So easy to make too!!
shirley g welch says
Great recipe, make a large batch and freeze ~ delicious
Lorna says
Been making this for well over a year now, it’s one of our favorites, sometimes it’s hard to find the can of Rotel Tomatoes so we use salsa and it works great, never thought of Using it until I was visiting my sister and we made it together. She didn’t have rotel so she pulled out her homemade salsa. Thank you for sharing.
Jen says
I use this recipe Everytime!
Sharon Merritt says
Love this recipe. Make it a lot.
Janice says
I make this at least every 10 days or so. I’m cooking for nine people and double the recipe. I’m now tripling so family can take for lunch. It’s a huge hit. I serve with southwest salad and sometimes cornbread. Occasionally I’ll throw in some sliced olives or a can of black beans, drained and rinsed. Easy, simple and great tasting.
Dionne says
Made this tonight. Was really impressed. Added 2 packets of taco seasoning cause. We like spice. Will go on our rotation
Annie says
So easy and quick and definitely yummy! It’s a nice change to the usual dishes. It was a big hit with all of us! It’s a keeper! Thanks for sharing!
Annie says
So easy and quick and definitely yummy!