Taco Spaghetti Skillet
Taco spaghetti combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of spaghetti, making it a hit for families and friends. This dish is quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for a fun twist on dinner that’s super easy and packs all the flavor of taco night, I want to introduce you to taco spaghetti. This recipe combines two of my favorite flavors into a comforting and hearty skillet meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to fuss with multiple dishes.
What I love about this dish is how quickly it comes together. You only need one skillet, and there’s minimal prep, so it’s a breeze for busy weeknights. Plus, this dish keeps clean-up to a minimum, which is always a bonus after a long day. With ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, and just the right amount of cheese, you get a complete meal that’s filling, flavorful, and spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or making a quick meal just for yourself, you’ll love this tasty, no-stress dinner that brings together the best of both worlds. Give it a try and it may become a new go-to in your weekly rotation!
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make taco spaghetti:
- Ground beef adds a hearty, savory base that’s traditional in both tacos and spaghetti dishes. It gives the dish a satisfying texture and makes it filling.
- Taco seasoning is the star flavor-maker, infusing the dish with a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic. It brings that signature taco taste to the spaghetti.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilis add a juicy, slightly tangy taste along with a hint of heat from the green chilis. They bring both acidity and mild spice, balancing the richness of the ground beef and cheese.
- Canned tomato sauce creates a saucy, cohesive texture that binds everything together. It also adds depth to the flavor and keeps the dish from being too dry, giving it that pasta-like quality.
- Spaghetti noodles give the dish its comforting, familiar pasta base. They absorb all the flavors and make the meal hearty and filling, giving it a fun twist on the classic taco.
- Cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the dish, adding a rich, creamy, and slightly sharp flavor. It’s a classic topping for tacos and gives the pasta a gooey, cheesy finis
- Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the dish, balancing out the spices and richness. They also add a pop of color, making it more visually appealing.
- Green onion brings a fresh, slightly sharp bite that complements the savory and spicy elements in the dish. They add a layer of flavor and a bit of crunch, making each bite more interesting.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Another great thing about this recipe is its customizable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Toss in some diced tomatoes,
- add a little sour cream or salsa on top for extra flavor
- throw in extra veggies like bell peppers for a fresh touch.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a cast iron skillet, until done. Drain the fat, if needed.
Add the taco seasoning, Roten, tomato sauce, and water. Stir, and bring to a boil over high heat.
Add the spaghetti to the mixture,give it a quick stir, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with foil, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.
Sprinkle the cheese all over the skillet, and allow to cook for just a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Chop the tomatoes and dice the green onions, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Dig in and serve!
Note
When adding the liquids (canned diced tomatoes, green chilis, and tomato sauce), scrape the skillet’s bottom with a wooden spoon. This will lift any browned bits left from the beef, which adds extra depth to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover taco spaghetti in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days in the fridge.
To reheat taco spaghetti, use the microwave or stovetop. Heat small portions in the microwave for about two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Heat on low until warm.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Stir Occasionally
Simmer covered with a lid or foil, but stir occasionally. Covering the skillet speeds up the cooking time, while stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Brown the Ground Beef First. Browning adds rich, savory flavor to the beef and creates a foundation for the dish, leaving browned bits in the skillet that enhance the sauce later.
- Use Taco Seasoning in Stages. Add some while browning the beef and the rest later to build a layered flavor that’s more intense and well-rounded.
- Break the Spaghetti in Half Before Adding. This helps the pasta fit into the skillet and ensures even cooking, so every strand is coated with sauce.
- Add Cheese Just Before Serving. Melting cheese at the end keeps it creamy and gooey, instead of overcooking it, which can make it greasy.
- Garnish with Fresh Ingredients. Topping with cherry tomatoes and green onions adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta.
- Let the Dish Rest for a Few Minutes Before Serving. Allowing a short rest helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
For a classic option, serve the taco spaghetti straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Adding sliced avocado or jalapeños can kick up the flavor even more for those who enjoy a little heat.
Another fun way to serve taco spaghetti is as a filling for tacos or burritos. Simply scoop portions of the spaghetti into warmed tortillas, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime juice for a delicious fusion dish.
For a low-key family night or an easy-to-handle gathering, serve the dish in individual bowls with tortilla chips on the side. This makes it perfect for dipping or mixing, adding a crunchy texture that pairs well with the skillet pasta.
FAQs About Taco Spaghetti
Recipe
Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/4 ounce taco seasoning
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilis canned
- 8 ounces tomato sauce canned
- 2 1/2 cups of water
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles broken in half
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 green onion diced
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a cast iron skillet, until done. (if you’re using lean meat, no need to drain fat – but if not, you will want to drain the fat)
- Add the taco seasoning, Roten, tomato sauce, and water. Stir, and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the mixture,give it a quick stir, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover with foil, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.
- Sprinkle the cheese all over the skillet, and allow to cook for just a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Chop the tomatoes and dice the green onions, then sprinkle over the casserole, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Meat chopper
- Silicone spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
