Zesty Taco Spaghetti Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular, and this taco spaghetti recipe delivers pure magic on a plate.

pasta lovers rejoice as classic Italian and Mexican cuisines collide in one incredible dish.

Spicy ground beef weaves through tender noodles, creating a mouthwatering fusion that screams comfort food.

Cheese melts perfectly into every delectable bite, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a weeknight superhero for busy home cooks.

The blend of zesty taco seasoning and hearty pasta guarantees a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed celebration.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. It’s leaner and provides a similar texture and flavor profile for the Taco Spaghetti.

• Do I need to use fresh salsa, or can I use jarred salsa?

Jarred salsa works perfectly fine. Choose your favorite brand or heat level to customize the dish’s flavor and spiciness.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. For a milder version, select mild taco seasoning and salsa. For more heat, opt for medium or hot varieties.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Adjust seasoning to maintain the robust taco-inspired flavor.

Taco Spaghetti Why It’s a Fun Pasta Night Option

• Break free from traditional spaghetti with this zesty Mexican-inspired dish that combines the best of tacos and pasta in one skillet.
• Prepare a delicious, hearty meal using just one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with minimal effort.
• Combine two kid-favorite foods – tacos and spaghetti – into a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or extra salsa to make it your own culinary creation.

What Goes in Taco Spaghetti

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious taco-inspired pasta dish.
• Spaghetti: The classic pasta that provides a perfect canvas for the bold taco flavors.
• Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the dish together.

• Taco Seasoning: Brings authentic Mexican-inspired spices and depth to the dish.
• Salsa: Adds zesty tomato flavor and extra moisture to the pasta.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and aromatic foundation for the meat.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a sweet and colorful vegetable element to the recipe.

• Broth, Milk: Create a creamy and flavorful cooking liquid for the spaghetti.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Tools for Cooking Taco Pasta

• 12-inch skillet: Large, deep pan for browning beef and cooking entire dish.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Needed for accurate broth, milk, and salsa measurements.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess fat from beef.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Sharp knife: For chopping onions and bell peppers.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti Step by Step

Step 1: Brown Savory Meat

Grab a large skillet and start sizzling ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat.

Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring no pink remains.

Drain away excess fat, then sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning, stirring for another minute to lock in those incredible flavors.

• Ground beef
• Onions
• Taco seasoning

Step 2: Create Delicious Liquid Base

Pour in a vibrant mix of broth, creamy milk, chunky salsa, and colorful bell peppers.

Stir everything together, creating a mouthwatering sauce that will coat every strand of pasta perfectly.

• Broth
• Milk
• Salsa
• Bell peppers

Step 3: Cook Pasta To Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then gently add spaghetti.

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.

Let it simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking, until pasta becomes tender and absorbs all those incredible flavors, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 4: Let Flavors Settle

Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes.

This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle cheese over the top and stir until it melts into a creamy, dreamy coating.

Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or salsa if you want an extra flavor kick.

Taco Spaghetti Tips for Great Results

• Ensure ground beef is fully browned without burning by using medium-high heat and constantly breaking it into small crumbles for even cooking.
• Stir spaghetti occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and achieve an ideal al dente consistency without overcooking.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
• Adjust taco seasoning and salsa quantities to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish mild or spicy according to taste.
• Use a large skillet to minimize dishes and create a convenient meal that combines Mexican and Italian flavors in less than 30 minutes.

Flavorful Twists on Taco Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Veggie Fest: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, using vegetable broth for added depth and choosing bell peppers in multiple colors for visual appeal.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour, ensuring the taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use hot salsa instead of mild, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Zoodle Option: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the classic taco-inspired taste profile.

Serving Taco Spaghetti for Weeknight Dinners

• Fiesta Plate Perfection: Serve this zesty taco spaghetti with fresh toppings that enhance its vibrant flavors.
• Creamy Cool Contrast: Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the spicy, rich pasta.
• Crunch Time Garnish: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips, crushed corn chips, or chopped green onions for added texture and excitement.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the entire dish and add a pop of freshness.

Taco Spaghetti Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled taco spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date and contents.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth or milk to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican-inspired taco spaghetti combines zesty ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese in one skillet. Quick weeknight comfort brings family together with bold southwestern flavors and simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)

Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (beef broth or water can be used)
• 1 cup milk

Vegetables and Cheese:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup salsa (any flavor, more as desired)
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• Toppings as desired

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat, crumbling meat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and cook for an additional minute to intensify flavors.
3. Pour broth, milk, and salsa into the skillet, then mix in chopped bell peppers.
4. Raise heat and bring liquid to a rolling boil. Carefully add spaghetti, ensuring it’s mostly submerged.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. After pasta reaches desired tenderness, remove from heat and let stand uncovered for 5 minutes to absorb remaining liquid.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and gently stir until completely melted and incorporated.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or salsa as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh cilantro or green onions for extra brightness.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing taste and reducing excess fat.
• Choose fresh bell peppers for maximum crunch and vibrant color, adding texture to the spaghetti.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for a more complex flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg