Name: Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup yellow onions, diced; ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet; 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with juice; 8 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked; 3 cups water; 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup chopped cilantro

There's something so satisfying about mixing two comfort food classics into one amazing dish. This Taco Spaghetti Recipe combines the zesty, bold flavors of taco seasoning with tender spaghetti noodles, making for a one-pot wonder that’s quick, cozy, and bursting with personality. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.

The image shows a large silver pan filled with cooked spaghetti mixed with browned ground meat, small chunks of red tomatoes, and melted orange-yellow cheese spread evenly throughout. Green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some shredded cheese and sprigs of cilantro nearby. A wooden board with a block of cheese and more shredded cheese is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve been making this Taco Spaghetti Recipe for years, and it’s a total lifesaver when I want something comforting but fuss-free. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and hearty, all cooked in one skillet for super easy cleanup. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can dress it up or down depending on what’s in your pantry.

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pan, so dirty dishes are minimal and flavors meld beautifully.
Flavor-Packed: The taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes give the dish a lively kick without overwhelming the palate.
Cheesy Goodness: Melty cheddar cheese throughout adds that creamy, irresistible texture you’ll want more of.
Quick and Family-Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast but satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of spaghetti pasta mixed with ground meat and small chunks of red tomato pieces, lifted by a golden fork. The pasta strands are light yellow and coated with a sauce that has a slightly oily texture. There is a single green leafy herb, possibly cilantro, on top of the lifted spaghetti. The background has a block of yellow cheese blurred, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this taco spaghetti comes down to the harmony between rich, seasoned beef and just the right amount of cheesy pasta. Getting fresh ingredients and following the right steps ensures you hit that perfect cozy, savory note every time.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a small white bowl filled with finely chopped pale yellow onions, an uncracked brown egg with a smooth shell, a small white bowl containing vibrant red diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked nest of golden spaghetti noodles, a small white bowl of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil gives a nice base and helps brown the meat without sticking.
Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for flavor and juiciness, but leaner works if you want less fat.
Yellow onions: They soften and add subtle sweetness, balancing the spices.
Taco seasoning: This is where your dinner gets its signature southwestern flavor—feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade blend.
Rotel tomatoes (with juice): These add a mild heat and acidity, perfectly complementing the cheesy noodles.
Spaghetti noodles: Use regular spaghetti—you cook them right inside the sauce, so no boiling required!
Water: Adds just enough liquid for the noodles to cook evenly without drying out.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings comforting richness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a bright, herbal finish that lifts the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts of this Taco Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love adding my own spin to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to experiment—you’ll end up making it your signature version.

Variation: I sometimes swap ground beef with ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version—just adjust seasoning slightly to taste.
Dairy-Free: To make it dairy-free, use a vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether and add creamy avocado slices as garnish instead.
Extra Veggies: Throw in chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
Spice Level: Feel free to ramp up the heat by adding a dash of hot sauce or extra jalapeños.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Onions

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in your 12-inch skillet. Add 1 pound of ground beef along with ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onions. Stir often, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef loses its pink color and the onions turn soft and translucent—about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor, so don’t rush it! Drain excess fat if you want a leaner dish.

Step 2: Add Seasoning, Tomatoes, Noodles, and Water

Sprinkle in ¼ cup taco seasoning or one packet, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Next, pour in the whole 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes (don’t drain the juice—it keeps the noodles moist and tasty). Then add 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles and 3 cups water. Give everything a good stir to combine. Make sure the noodles are submerged as much as possible.

Step 3: Simmer Until Noodles are Tender

Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the noodles aren’t tender yet and the liquid is mostly absorbed, add a splash more water as needed. The goal is perfectly cooked pasta with all those rich taco flavors infused.

Step 4: Stir in Half the Cheese

Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle half of the 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then gently stir through the spaghetti to distribute the melted cheese goodness evenly. This creates a creamy texture that’s just irresistible.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Top the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese and about ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro. This fresh, herbaceous finish brightens up all those cozy, spicy flavors perfectly.

Top Tip

My journey with this Taco Spaghetti Recipe taught me a few key tips that take it from good to unforgettable. These little tricks help preserve flavor and texture every time.

Don’t Drain the Rotel Juice: That juicy tomato-pepper mix adds moisture and boosts flavor, so keep it in the pan.
Browning is Key: Take your time browning the beef and onions to build depth—don’t rush this step.
Watch Your Water: Add water gradually if the pasta needs more time to cook but avoid making the dish soupy.
Cheese Timing: Stir in half the cheese right after cooking so it melts through, then save the rest for an attractive topping.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my taco spaghetti with fresh cilantro because it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the cheese and spices. Sometimes I scatter chopped tomatoes or sliced black olives on top for extra texture. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice on the side brings a lovely tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or warm tortillas. Roasted veggies or guacamole on the side work especially well to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I bake the taco spaghetti in a casserole dish with extra cheese for 10 minutes, then broil until golden and bubbly. Serve it in colorful bowls and garnish with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for fun texture and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover taco spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the cheese and flavors.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta for Taco Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works best for even cooking in this recipe, feel free to try penne or rotini. Just adjust the water and cooking time since different shapes absorb liquid differently.

How spicy is the Taco Spaghetti Recipe?

The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. If you prefer milder flavor, use mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount. For more heat, add fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles, cooked lentils, or beans. Adjust seasoning if needed, and add extra veggies for heartiness.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the cheesy, mild taco flavors combined with familiar spaghetti. You can reduce spices and customize toppings according to your child’s preferences to keep it approachable.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, blending familiar comforts with a bit of a fun twist. It’s the kind of meal I enjoy sharing whenever friends drop by because it’s simple, flavorful, and always disappears fast. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do—it’s genuine comfort food that’s as easy as it is tasty. Go ahead, try it out and make it your own!