Taco Spaghetti Recipe
If your family loves tacos and spaghetti, this Taco Spaghetti recipe is about to become a weeknight favorite. It's cheesy, creamy, loaded with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all coated in a rich Tex-Mex sauce.
Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup just as easy as dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One-pot dinner
Ready in about 30 minutes
Kid-friendly
Creamy and cheesy
Perfect for Taco Tuesday
Great leftovers
Freezer-friendly
Prep Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro
Green onions
Diced tomatoes
Sour cream
Jalapeños
Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.
Cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
Drain excess grease if needed.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Stir in:
Taco seasoning
Rotel
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
Heavy cream
Mix well.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Break spaghetti in half and stir into the sauce.
Push noodles down so they're mostly covered.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the spaghetti doesn't stick.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Once the pasta is tender:
Stir in:
Butter
Cream cheese
Mexican cheese
Cheddar cheese
Mix until completely melted.
Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Top with:
Cilantro
Green onions
Sour cream
Crushed tortilla chips
Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Taco Spaghetti
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Don't overcook the pasta—it will continue absorbing sauce as it rests.
Add diced jalapeños if you like heat.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
Variations
Creamy Taco Spaghetti
Double the cream cheese and add extra cheddar.
Spicy Taco Spaghetti
Add:
Chipotle peppers
Pepper Jack cheese
Hot Rotel
Taco Chicken Spaghetti
Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
Loaded Taco Spaghetti
Top with:
Avocado
Black beans
Corn
Fresh pico de gallo
What to Serve with Taco Spaghetti
Garlic bread
Mexican street corn
Side salad
Tortilla chips and salsa
Cilantro lime rice
Roasted vegetables
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat with a splash of milk or beef broth to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta?
Yes. Rotini, penne, shells, or linguine all work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors become even better the next day.
Can I freeze Taco Spaghetti?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Is Taco Spaghetti spicy?
Not very. Use mild Rotel and mild taco seasoning for a family-friendly version.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you loved this Taco Spaghetti recipe, try these comforting family dinners next:
Baked Penne Pasta
Million Dollar Ravioli
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Slow Cooker Chicken Legs with Gravy
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Barbacoa Tacos
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Creamy Cajun Corn on the Cob
This cheesy Taco Spaghetti is the perfect mashup of taco night and pasta night—rich, comforting, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.