Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love tacos and spaghetti, why not combine the two into one seriously flavorful dinner? That’s exactly what this easy taco spaghetti recipe does — it brings together the bold, zesty taste of your favorite taco night with the comforting, carb-loaded goodness of classic spaghetti.

Here’s why it’s become a weeknight favorite in so many homes:

Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
One-Pot Magic: Less mess, less stress. Fewer dishes to clean!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike LOVE this mash-up meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Versatile: Easily customizable for spice levels, protein preferences, or even vegetarian options.

Plus, it feels like comfort food — but with a fun twist that keeps dinner exciting. Isn’t that what we all need after a long day?

Essential Tools and Equipment

You won’t need anything fancy here. Just a few basic kitchen tools to bring it all together:

Large skillet or sauté pan (with a lid)
Cooking spoon or spatula for stirring
Sharp knife and cutting board (for chopping onions or veggies)
Colander (if you’re pre-cooking the pasta separately)
Measuring cups and spoons
Optional: cheese grater if using a block of cheese

That’s it! If you have a stove and a pot, you’re just about ready to cook.

Preparation Tips

Want to make this already-easy recipe even smoother? These prep tips will save you time and elevate your final result:

Use pre-chopped onions: In a hurry? Grab a bag of frozen chopped onions to shave off prep time.
Measure your spices in advance: Group all your dry seasonings in a small bowl before you start cooking.
Brown the meat well: Let it get a little crispy for extra flavor — don’t rush this step.
Grate cheese fresh if possible: It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded versions.
Make it ahead: Cook the meat/spice portion ahead of time and simply reheat with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Think of this as your shortcut to dinner bliss.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this flavorful taco spaghetti. Most of these are pantry regulars, which makes it even easier to pull this together on a whim.

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
½ medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
10 oz spaghetti pasta (about ⅔ of a standard box)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade blend)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional: chopped cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños for garnish

Ingredient notes:

You can use pre-cooked pasta if you prefer. Just add it toward the end to heat through.
Like it spicy? Use spicy taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these easy steps for a foolproof dinner your family will request again and again.

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Season the meat: Stir in taco seasoning and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
Add liquid ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with liquid) and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Add the pasta: Break spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the skillet. Make sure the noodles are covered with liquid as much as possible.
Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Add cheese: Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle both cheeses on top. Stir until melted and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and top with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sometimes a great recipe goes sideways with tiny slip-ups. Here’s what to watch for:

Overcooking the pasta: Since it’s simmered directly in the sauce, it can go from perfectly al dente to too soft fast. Check doneness early!
Not enough liquid: Pasta needs enough liquid to cook evenly. If it looks dry, add a little more broth or water.
Under-seasoning: Taste after simmering. Add a pinch of salt or extra taco seasoning if it feels flat.
Using lean beef without oil: If your beef is extra lean, you may need a splash of oil to prevent sticking and add richness.

Small tweaks go a long way toward taco pasta perfection!

Best Side Dishes

Wondering what to serve with taco spaghetti? While it’s a satisfying all-in-one meal, here are a few tasty sides that elevate the dish:

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Creamy, spicy corn topped with cotija and chili powder pairs beautifully with taco flavors.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp romaine or spinach salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Yes, it’s not traditional — but it works! Who says you can’t dip bread into taco-flavored pasta?
Refried Beans or Black Beans: These beans add a boost of protein and a complementary, earthy note.

Keep it easy or go all out — it’s totally up to your mood.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to level up taco spaghetti night? Try these pro-tips and creative spins:

Homemade Taco Seasoning: Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a DIY version with less sodium.
Skip the beef: Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans as a meat-free option.
Cheese swap: Pepper Jack adds a little kick if you love spice!
Use leftover taco meat: Already have seasoned beef from taco night? Cut your prep time in half.
Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for an ultra-creamy texture.

Sometimes it’s those tiny additions that take a meal from good to “Yum! Can I have seconds?”

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Taco spaghetti actually reheats like a dream.

To Store: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
To Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or warm over low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

It’s just as tasty the next day — maybe even better as the flavors continue to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this taco spaghetti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for canned black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground crumbles. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth too.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is the go-to, but you can also use linguine or angel hair if that’s what you have. Just watch the cook time.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild to medium, depending on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. You can make it milder by using plain diced tomatoes or spicier with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I cook the spaghetti separately?

Yes, you can boil the pasta separately and then mix it into the saucy meat mixture. Just reduce the amount of broth slightly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and make sure your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free (some store-bought versions aren’t).

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that checks all the boxes — fast, flavorful, fun, and satisfying — this taco spaghetti recipe is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that brings a little joy to the table and makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

So grab those pantry staples, fire up the stove, and give this recipe a spin. Your taste buds (and your busy weeknight schedule) will thank you.

Have questions? Tried it with your own twist? Drop a comment below or share a photo. I’d love to hear how your version turned out!

And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out other easy fusion dinners like my One-Pot Cajun Pasta or Cheesy Taco Casserole. 🧡

Happy cooking!