Taco Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Spaghetti is a fun and delicious twist on traditional spaghetti. The combination of pasta and taco flavors creates a unique dish that’s both familiar and exciting. The creamy cheese, spicy taco seasoning, and savory ground beef work perfectly together, creating a meal that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, easy to serve, and can even be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. If you love tacos and pasta, you’re going to love Taco Spaghetti!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

4. Drain any excess fat from the beef, then stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef mixture and toss to combine. Stir in the sour cream and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated.

6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Both will work well in this recipe and still deliver great flavor.

2. Can I make Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Taco Spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

While spaghetti is the traditional choice, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use.

4. How can I make Taco Spaghetti spicier?

To add heat, you can stir in some diced jalapeños, add hot sauce, or use a spicy taco seasoning mix. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make Taco Spaghetti vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and substituting it with black beans, kidney beans, or lentils. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and texture.

6. Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?

Cheddar cheese is perfect for this recipe, but you can use other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

7. Can I add vegetables to the Taco Spaghetti?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or even spinach would be a great way to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor. Sauté the veggies with the ground beef for the best results.

8. Can I make Taco Spaghetti without baking it?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the baking step. Once the spaghetti and sauce are combined, you can just serve it directly from the skillet, mixing in the cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.

9. Can I freeze Taco Spaghetti?

Yes, Taco Spaghetti freezes well. Once it’s fully assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual.

10. Can I add a crunchy topping to the casserole?

If you want some crunch, try topping your Taco Spaghetti with crushed tortilla chips or crumbled taco shells before serving, or add a layer of shredded lettuce and salsa for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Taco Spaghetti is a deliciously unique dish that combines the best parts of two beloved meals: tacos and spaghetti. With its creamy, cheesy filling and bold taco-seasoned beef, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food for taco lovers and pasta fans alike. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, Taco Spaghetti is a dish that will always leave everyone coming back for more!

Taco Spaghetti

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of tacos with the heartiness of spaghetti. This easy-to-make casserole features seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and a taco-inspired sauce, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a family meal, Taco Spaghetti is sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup chopped green onions (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.

• While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned and fully cooked.

• Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef mixture and toss to combine. Stir in sour cream and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and well distributed.

• Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.

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Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.Use your preferred pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, for a twist on the traditional spaghetti.