Taco Spaghetti

Every now and then, I find myself craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. That’s when I turn to my trusty recipe for Taco Spaghetti. It’s a dish that perfectly marries two of my favorite meals: tacos and spaghetti. Imagine coming home after a long day, the smell of savory spices greeting you as you whip up this quick and delightful meal. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories, the laughter shared around the table, and the joy of creating something special with just a few ingredients. As I stir the pot, I can’t help but think about how this dish has become a family favorite, often requested for dinners and gatherings. It’s incredibly satisfying to see everyone enjoying a comforting bowl of Taco Spaghetti while sharing stories from their day. This recipe not only brings people together but also allows me to express my love for cooking in a deliciously uncomplicated way.

Main Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti

When it comes to the ingredients for Taco Spaghetti, each one plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life. The combination of flavors offers a wonderful harmony that will leave you craving more. From the savory notes of ground beef to the comforting touch of spaghetti noodles, every ingredient contributes to this delightful meal.

• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles – The base of the dish, these noodles provide a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sauté the onions, adding a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
• 1 cup diced onion – About half a large onion; this ingredient adds sweetness and aroma to the pasta.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic – About 2 cloves; garlic infuses the dish with a wonderful fragrance and robust flavor.
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef – The protein that makes this spaghetti hearty and filling.
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning – Provides the signature taco flavor that elevates the dish.
• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes – Adds a zesty touch and contributes to the sauciness of the spaghetti.
• 1 ½ cups beef broth – Adds moisture and richness to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste – Thickens the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• 3 ounces softened cream cheese – Provides a creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese – Melts wonderfully and adds a delicious cheesy layer on top.
• chopped fresh cilantro – For garnish, it adds a fresh touch and bright flavor.

The Process for Making Taco Spaghetti

Making Taco Spaghetti is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go. Let’s dive straight into the process!

1. Cook 12 ounces spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial—make sure to cook the pasta just until it’s al dente, so it maintains a slight firmness.
2. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 cup diced onion to a large skillet. Cook the onions over medium heat until they are tender and translucent, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent browning.
3. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You’ll notice the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as the garlic infuses the oil.
4. Add 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the fat if needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy. You want a leaner meat for balance.
5. Reduce the heat to medium. Next, add 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning, 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 ½ cups beef broth, and 3 ounces softened cream cheese. Stir everything to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the mixture. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
6. Cook until the cream cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Keep stirring gently to avoid sticking to the pan. You want everything to meld beautifully.
7. Stir in the cooked spaghetti and 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the spaghetti is coated in that rich, cheesy sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet.

Change It Up

There’s so much you can do to make Taco Spaghetti your own! Here are some tips to inspire your creativity.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to avoid condensation.
• Freezing: You can freeze Taco Spaghetti for up to 3 months. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop; just add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a more rounded meal. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Variations: Add some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. These ingredients can enhance the nutritional value as well.
• Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning mix.

Serving Ideas for Taco Spaghetti

When it comes to serving Taco Spaghetti, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to make it even more enjoyable:

• Family Dinner: This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it hot with a side of warm garlic bread for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
• Potluck Favorite: If you’re attending a potluck, Taco Spaghetti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to transport and serves well in any setting.
• Game Night: Pair it with your favorite movie or game night. It’s the kind of dish that keeps you satisfied while you cheer on your team!
• Seasonal Additions: During summer, consider serving it with a fresh tomato salad or grilled corn on the cob for a vibrant plate.
• Lunch Leftovers: Enjoy it as a hearty lunch the next day. Just reheat and pair it with a simple side salad for a quick meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Taco Spaghetti is a fantastic dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting essence of spaghetti and the vibrant flavors of tacos. It’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a hearty meal that will create lasting memories.

Taco Spaghetti

The ultimate comfort food, Taco Spaghetti combines the best of two worlds in one delicious dish. Bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make, this is your new go-to for busy weeknights. Dive into a bowl of cheesy goodness tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion about half a large onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 2 cloves
• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook 12 ounces spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 cup diced onion to a large skillet. Cook the onions over medium heat until they are tender and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent browning.
• Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You'll notice the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as the garlic infuses the oil.
• Add 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the fat if needed to keep the dish from becoming greasy. You want a leaner meat for balance.
• Reduce the heat to medium. Next, add 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning, 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 ½ cups beef broth, and 3 ounces softened cream cheese. Stir everything to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the mixture. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Cook until the cream cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Keep stirring gently to avoid sticking to the pan. You want everything to meld beautifully.
• Stir in the cooked spaghetti and 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the spaghetti is coated in that rich, cheesy sauce.
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to avoid condensation.
• Freezing: You can freeze Taco Spaghetti for up to 3 months. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop; just add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a more rounded meal. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Variations: Add some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. These ingredients can enhance the nutritional value as well.
• Spice Level: If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning mix.

Keyword easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly meals, quick pasta dishes, Taco Spaghetti recipe

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!