Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion dish that brings together the best of two beloved meals—tacos and spaghetti! This easy, cheesy family dinner is sure to become a weeknight favorite. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Taco Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. You can whip it up quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Gather your loved ones around the dinner table, and enjoy a hearty meal that will leave everyone smiling!
Why Make This Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner!
There are countless reasons to make Taco Spaghetti. First, it’s incredibly convenient. You can create a wholesome dish in just one pot, keeping cleanup to a minimum. Plus, it combines the familiar flavors of taco night with the comfort of spaghetti, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The cheesy topping and creamy sauce add a delicious twist, ensuring that every bite is utterly delightful. Packed with protein from the ground beef and a vibrant mix of spices, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste!
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner!
To make Taco Spaghetti, follow the direct and simple steps below. You will be amazed at how easy it is to create such a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz / 226g) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (1 oz / 28g) packet Taco Seasoning (or 2-3 tbsp homemade blend)
- 1 cup (240ml) Beef Broth
- 4 oz (113g) Cream Cheese, softened & cubed
- 8 oz (226g) Spaghetti
- 2 cups (8 oz / 226g) Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips
Directions:
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Prepare Meat Sauce Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; brown, breaking it apart, until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess fat. Reduce heat to medium. Add diced yellow onion and optional diced green bell pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Simmer Sauce & Add Cream Cheese: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add softened cream cheese (cubed) and stir vigorously until completely melted and smoothly incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
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Cook Spaghetti: While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain spaghetti thoroughly; do not rinse.
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Combine & Prepare for Baking: Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the pot with the prepared creamy taco meat sauce. Toss until every strand is coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese until melted and gooey. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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Bake, Rest & Serve: Spoon the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese generously over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. (Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for an extra golden crust, watching closely.) Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 26g
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner!
Serve Taco Spaghetti hot from the oven, garnished generously with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and sliced jalapeños for a kick. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a cozy game night with friends. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Everyone will adore digging into the cheesy goodness!
How to Store Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you plan on making it ahead, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner!
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot taco seasoning based on your family’s preference.
- More Greens: Sneak in extra veggies like zucchini or corn for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like cheddar or a sprinkle of parmesan before serving for extra flavor.
- Meat Variations: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Herb Boost: For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: Replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans and lentils for a hearty plant-based version.
- Spicy Taco Spaghetti: Add diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.
- One-Pot Taco Spaghetti: Skip the oven and simply top with cheese before covering and simmering on the stovetop until melted.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti works great, and it adds extra fiber to your meal. -
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be excellent substitutes for a tangy flavor; just be sure to add it at the end to avoid curdling. -
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, Taco Spaghetti can be frozen! Simply place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. -
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check the taco seasoning packet to ensure it’s gluten-free. -
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. -
What toppings should I use?
Classic taco toppings like avocado slices, pico de gallo, or even crushed chips will elevate your dish! -
How do I know when it’s cooked?
The spaghetti should be al dente when cooked, and the cheese topping should be melted and bubbly with a golden hue. -
Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Adding cooked beans or even some shredded chicken are excellent ways to increase the protein content. -
How long does reheat leftovers?
Leftovers take about 5-10 minutes in the microwave or 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven to heat up. -
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely! The cheesy flavors and familiar ingredients make it a big hit with children.
Conclusion
Taco Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a delicious experience that brings families together. With its easy preparation, versatility, and irresistible cheesy goodness, this recipe will surely win a place in your regular dinner rotation. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience! We’d love to hear how your Taco Spaghetti turned out, so feel free to drop a comment or share your own twists on this delightful dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Taco Spaghetti
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate fusion dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti, creating an easy, cheesy family dinner that is perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz / 226g) can Tomato Sauce
- 1 (1 oz / 28g) packet Taco Seasoning
- 1 cup (240ml) Beef Broth
- 4 oz (113g) Cream Cheese, softened & cubed
- 8 oz (226g) Spaghetti
- 2 cups (8 oz / 226g) Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef; brown until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat. Reduce heat to medium, add yellow onion and optional bell pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add cream cheese; stir until melted and incorporated. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain spaghetti thoroughly.
- Add drained spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water. Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving with garnishes.
Notes
Taco Spaghetti is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Taco Spaghetti, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe, Comfort Food, One Pot Meal
