Delicious Taco Spaghetti Dinner

This taco spaghetti combines two family favorites into one irresistible comfort dish. When you're craving both Italian and Mexican flavors but don't want to choose between them, this crowd-pleasing fusion delivers the best of both worlds in just 30 minutes.

I created this recipe when my pantry was nearly empty and dinner guests were on the way. The combination was such a hit that it's now requested at nearly every family gathering we host.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base; feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option
• Taco seasoning packet: Brings authentic Mexican flavor without measuring multiple spices
• Diced tomatoes with green chilis: Add perfect heat and acidity; no need for additional seasonings
• Sour cream: Creates a creamy luxurious sauce that coats every noodle
• Beef broth: Deepens the flavor profile and creates the perfect sauce consistency
• Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and brings everything together

How To Make Taco Spaghetti

Cook the pasta:

Boil the spaghetti in heavily salted water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, so stopping just before it's fully done ensures perfect texture in the final dish. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.

Create the flavor base:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they become translucent and begin to caramelize at the edges, about 4 minutes. This vegetable base provides essential sweetness that balances the savory elements.

Brown the meat:

Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and some pieces develop a deeper brown crust for enhanced flavor, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat but leave a tablespoon for flavor.

Develop the sauce:

Return meat mixture to the pan and sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the surface. Stir to coat meat thoroughly, then add tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and sour cream. Stir gently until completely incorporated and simmer for 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Create the cheese sauce:

Add shredded cheese in three batches, stirring constantly after each addition until completely melted. This gradual approach prevents the cheese from clumping and creates a silky smooth sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Combine and finish:

Add drained pasta to the sauce, folding gently with tongs until every noodle is thoroughly coated. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to absorb some sauce.

The taco seasoning is truly the heart of this dish. I once tried making it with individual spices, but my family immediately noticed the difference. Something about the particular blend in those packets creates the exact flavor profile that makes this dish so addictive.

Make Ahead Options

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply prepare as directed, cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce as the pasta will absorb moisture during storage.

Customization Ideas

While this recipe is perfect as written, the beauty lies in its flexibility. Vegetarians can substitute black beans and corn for the ground beef. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a lighter version, use ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and light sour cream without sacrificing flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete fiesta experience, offer toppings like diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their bowl. A basket of warm garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for scooping up any remaining sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.

→ What can I use as a substitute for taco seasoning?

If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to moisten the sauce.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Feel free to get creative with toppings! Chopped jalapeños, sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavors.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild spiciness from the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilis. For less spice, use plain diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chilis.