What Is Taco Spaghetti?
Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion comfort food that blends the bold flavors of Tex-Mex tacos with the satisfying heartiness of spaghetti. Think of it as a rich, creamy, cheesy, taco-seasoned meat sauce wrapped around tender pasta — all cooked in one skillet. It’s weeknight dinner perfection for busy families, party crowds, or meal prep enthusiasts who love bold flavors and minimal cleanup.
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If you’re a fan of easy cheesy pasta dishes with a Mexican twist, then this one-pot wonder is about to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
For more family-favorite ideas, check out this creamy mushroom soup recipe from brandirecipes.com — a comforting side that pairs beautifully with spicy pasta dishes like this one.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Spaghetti
There’s a reason Taco Spaghetti has gone viral on TikTok and Pinterest — it checks all the right boxes:
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Quick & easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
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One pot = less mess.
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Rich & cheesy: Loaded with sour cream and Mexican blend cheese.
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Family-approved flavors: Kids and adults alike love it.
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Perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
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Customizable: Add jalapeños, corn, black beans, or your favorite hot sauce.
According to Delish, adding taco flavors to pasta is one of the easiest ways to satisfy both kids and adults with minimal effort — and it all comes together in one dish.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need for this cheesy taco spaghetti:
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1 pound spaghetti noodles
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2 pounds ground beef
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½ yellow onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (undrained)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup beef broth
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2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
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(Optional) Fresh cilantro or more shredded cheese for garnish
How to Make Taco Spaghetti
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
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Step 3 – Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a spatula and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 4 – Build the Sauce
Return the beef mixture to the pan and add the taco seasoning, undrained tomatoes with green chilis, beef broth, and sour cream. Stir well.
Step 5 – Melt the Cheese
Once the mixture is smooth and heated through, stir in 1½ cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese. Save the rest for topping.
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Step 6 – Combine Pasta
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce. Toss until everything is fully coated and the sauce clings to the noodles.
Step 7 – Garnish & Serve
Top with the remaining cheese and let it melt slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro or even sliced jalapeños for extra kick.
Tips for the Best Taco Spaghetti
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Use freshly shredded cheese – It melts better and avoids the anti-caking agents in pre-packaged bags.
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Control spice level – Use mild or hot taco seasoning based on preference.
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Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before mixing the pasta.
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For a crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or fried onions before serving.
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Meal prep ready: Stores beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days.
AllRecipes suggests swapping ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version without compromising flavor.
Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or reheat in a pan on medium heat.
Variations & Add-Ins
Want to take your Taco Spaghetti to the next level? Try these creative add-ins:
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Corn kernels – for texture and sweetness
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Black beans – for a boost of fiber and protein
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Jalapeños or chipotle peppers – to spice things up
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Cream cheese – for an even richer sauce
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Serve with guacamole or avocado slices for a creamy contrast
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Add garlic while sautéing for an extra aromatic boost
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~685 kcal
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Protein: 32g
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Carbohydrates: 52g
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Fat: 40g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 5g
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Sodium: 980mg
Estimates based on 6 servings.
FAQs
Is Taco Spaghetti spicy?
It depends on your taco seasoning and canned chilies. For mild flavor, use mild taco mix and no jalapeños. For spicy kick, go wild with chili flakes or hot salsa.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or linguine all work well, though spaghetti gives the most satisfying texture.
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Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use meatless crumbles or black beans in place of ground beef.
Can I bake this?
Yes — pour the final mixture into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes for a baked version.
Final Thoughts
Taco Spaghetti is your go-to solution for when you crave tacos but need the comfort of a pasta dish — all in one skillet, in 30 minutes flat. It’s bold, creamy, filling, and perfect for any weeknight or gathering.
If you love recipes that deliver big flavor with little cleanup, you’ll also enjoy this cheesy garlic parmesan cheeseburger bomb — another viral-worthy favorite from brandirecipes.com.
Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or feeding a hungry crowd, Taco Spaghetti delivers every single time.
Taco Spaghetti – Cheesy One-Pot Tex-Mex Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- instructions=
- Cook spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning, tomatoes with green chilis, beef broth, and sour cream. Stir well and simmer.
- Stir in 1½ cups cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with remaining cheese and garnish as desired.
Notes
