Description
Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Best Taco Spaghetti! This easy recipe is the ultimate fusion of two all-time classics—cheesy taco filling and tender spaghetti noodles—all made in one pan. It’s a quick dinner, perfect for busy families, and falls into the best kind of comfort food ideas. Whether you’re after a new twist on taco night or need reliable dinner ideas with bold Tex-Mex flavor, this easy recipe will deliver. Ideal as a hearty main, this dish also stores well for leftovers and is simple enough for beginner cooks looking to impress.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
8 oz uncooked spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir well, letting it toast with the meat for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Break spaghetti in half and add to the skillet. Stir to submerge the noodles.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Adjust salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and more cheese if desired. Serve hot with optional sour cream or lime.
Notes
To make it extra creamy, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
For a healthier version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
To add more vegetables, mix in corn, black beans, or bell peppers during the simmer step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / One-pan
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: taco spaghetti, easy dinner, Tex-Mex pasta, one-pan meal, comfort food