Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Sizzling Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Fusion Magic for Dinner Tonight

Whipping up a mouthwatering taco spaghetti creates a delightful fusion of two beloved cuisines.

Mexican and Italian flavors dance together in this unexpected culinary adventure.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore the zesty combination of pasta and taco-inspired ingredients.

Packed with bold spices and creamy textures, this dish promises to become a new weeknight favorite.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the melty goodness that blankets each perfectly twirled noodle.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing meal that brings excitement to your dinner table.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe That’s Full Of Fun Flavor

  • Mashup Magic: Combine the zesty flavors of tacos with classic spaghetti for a unique culinary adventure that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner that doesn't require complicated cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a crowd-favorite dish that appeals to both kids and adults, blending familiar ingredients with an exciting twist that guarantees clean plates and happy faces.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-skillet recipe that streamlines cooking and reduces dish washing, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

Ingredients List For Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the core protein for the taco spaghetti dish.
Pasta:
  • Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this fusion recipe.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Garlic, Onions: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and meat.
Additional Vegetables:
  • Green Chiles: Provide a mild heat and distinctive southwestern flavor to the dish.
  • Tomatoes, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that add brightness and color as a garnish.
Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy and tangy element to the taco spaghetti.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How To Create Taco Spaghetti Recipe Step By Step

Step 1: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until it reaches that magical al dente texture, typically 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it down into tiny, delicious crumbles. Watch it sizzle and brown beautifully.

Step 3: Aromatics Party

Introduce minced garlic and diced onions to the beef. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Shower the meat mixture with taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets coated in those zesty spices.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that hugs the meat perfectly.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy meat mixture. Let the pasta soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 7: Add Some Zing

Sprinkle in diced green chiles, distributing them evenly for a subtle kick of excitement.

Step 8: Cheese Please

Generously top the dish with shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into a gooey, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Scatter fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro over the top. These bright touches will make the dish pop.

Step 10: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final gentle stir.

Step 11: Serve and Devour

Plate immediately while the cheese is still melted and the flavors are at their peak. Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the best of tacos and pasta!

Taco Spaghetti Recipe Tips You’ll Love

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a slight firmness for better overall dish quality.
  • Meat Mastery: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and eliminate excess moisture for a more concentrated taste.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to melt completely into the hot pasta for a creamy, smooth consistency that coats every strand.
  • Spice Balancing Act: Adjust taco seasoning to personal preference, considering salt content and individual heat tolerance for a personalized meal.
  • Fresh Finish Flair: Add cilantro and tomatoes just before serving to preserve their bright colors and crisp textures, enhancing the dish's visual appeal.

Mix It Up With Taco Spaghetti Recipe Ideas

  • Spicy Southwest Spaghetti: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage and add jalapeños for extra heat. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and include black beans for a hearty southwestern flair.
  • Mexican Street Corn Spaghetti: Incorporate grilled corn kernels and cotija cheese. Stir in a dollop of Mexican crema and sprinkle with chili powder for authentic street food flavor.
  • Buffalo Chicken Taco Spaghetti: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with buffalo sauce. Top with blue cheese crumbles and green onions for a zesty buffalo-style experience.
  • Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: Use crumbled plant-based meat or black beans as protein. Add roasted bell peppers and zucchini for extra vegetables and depth of flavor.

What To Pair With Taco Spaghetti Recipe

  • Enhance Flavor Companions: Choose zesty Mexican-style lager like Modelo Especial to complement the bold taco-inspired spices and cut through the creamy richness.
  • Refresh with Salsa Verde: Prepare a bright, tangy green salsa using tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro to add fresh contrast against the heavy, cheesy pasta.
  • Crisp Side Salad Boost: Create a light cucumber and radish salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the dish's intense flavors and provide a cool, crunchy texture.
  • Wine Pairing Power: Select a medium-bodied Tempranillo with slight pepper notes that echoes the taco seasoning and stands up to the robust beef and cheese elements.

How To Keep Taco Spaghetti Recipe Delicious

  • Store leftover taco spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled taco spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed taco spaghetti in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.
  • Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before storing, making it easier to reheat only the amount needed and preserving the overall quality of the remaining dish.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe FAQs Made Easy

  • What makes this recipe unique?

This dish combines the flavors of tacos with spaghetti, creating a fusion meal that brings together Italian and Mexican cuisine in one delicious, creamy pasta dish.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from taco seasoning and green chiles, but you can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning according to your preference.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef and will work perfectly in this recipe, providing a leaner protein option while maintaining similar flavor profiles.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

You only need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and basic kitchen utensils like a spatula and cutting board to prepare this easy one-pan meal.

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Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Taco Spaghetti Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican-inspired taco spaghetti blends comfort classics with zesty southwestern flair. Hearty pasta loaded with ground beef, melted cheese, and bold seasonings promises a quick, satisfying dinner that will excite your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Toppings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced green chiles
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles.
  3. Add minced garlic and diced onions to the beef, sautéing until onions become translucent.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating.
  5. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich, creamy sauce with the seasoned meat.
  6. Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavorful liquid.
  7. Mix in diced green chiles, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, letting it melt into the hot pasta.
  9. Garnish with diced tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still melted.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
  • Enhance protein content by adding black beans or kidney beans directly into the skillet for extra nutrition.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using zucchini noodles or gluten-free spaghetti instead of traditional pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 690
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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