Can I make Taco Spaghetti with gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free spaghetti works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta sometimes cooks faster than traditional pasta. You might need to reduce the liquid slightly as well.

How can I make this recipe ahead for a busy weeknight?

Brown the ground beef with onions and taco seasoning up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just add the pre-cooked meat mixture to the skillet with the remaining ingredients and proceed with the recipe—you'll save about 10 minutes of prep time.

My family doesn't like cilantro. What can I use instead?

If cilantro isn't your thing, fresh parsley makes a great substitute for that pop of green color and freshness. You could also try chopped green onions for a different but complementary flavor.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Use a larger pot or Dutch oven instead of a skillet to accommodate the increased volume. The cooking time remains about the same, but you may need to add a few extra minutes for the pasta to become tender.

Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped; ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet); 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes, undrained; 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked; 3 cups water; 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup cilantro, chopped

This mouthwatering Taco Spaghetti brings together two family favorites—tacos and pasta—into one irresistible dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and tender spaghetti creates a comforting meal that everyone at your table will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Weeknight Dinner: From kitchen to table in 30 minutes flat—exactly what you need when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the pasta absorbs all those delicious seasonings.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish! It combines the familiar comfort of spaghetti with the bold flavors of taco night.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients makes this an economical option that stretches your grocery budget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: Used for browning the meat and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
Ground beef: The protein foundation of our dish—it provides hearty texture and savory flavor. Choose lean ground beef for less fat.
Yellow onions: Adds essential aromatic flavor and a slight sweetness once cooked down.
Taco seasoning: The flavor powerhouse! This brings all those classic taco spices together in one convenient blend.
Rotel tomatoes: These canned tomatoes with green chilies add instant flavor, moisture, and a touch of heat without any extra work.
Spaghetti noodles: The pasta backbone of our dish—they’ll cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors along the way.
Water: Turns into our pasta cooking liquid and sauce base as it combines with the other ingredients.
Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, gooey factor that ties everything together.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your Taco Spaghetti? Here are some delicious options:

Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or try chorizo for an extra flavor kick.
Heat Level: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like things spicier, or use mild Rotel if you prefer less heat.
Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition and texture.
Cheese Options: Try pepper jack for additional spice, or a Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor.
Pasta Alternatives: Swap the spaghetti for penne, rotini, or even egg noodles—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until meat is no longer pink and onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Pasta

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir to coat evenly. Add the Rotel tomatoes with their juice, uncooked spaghetti noodles, and water to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is submerged.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar into the pan and stir to incorporate it throughout the dish. Top with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro. Let sit for a minute or two until cheese melts before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: These chimichangas are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can easily customize these chimichangas with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble these chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

How to Serve

This Taco Spaghetti is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and toppings:

Toppings:

Create a “taco bar” of toppings so everyone can customize their portion with diced avocado, sliced black olives, jalapeños, sour cream, or pico de gallo.

Side Dishes:

A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. Mexican street corn or a side of tortilla chips with guacamole also complement this meal beautifully.

Bread:

Warm garlic bread or cornbread makes an excellent accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together!

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, stopping to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Spaghetti with gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free spaghetti works well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta sometimes cooks faster than traditional pasta. You might need to reduce the liquid slightly as well.
How can I make this recipe ahead for a busy weeknight?

Brown the ground beef with onions and taco seasoning up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just add the pre-cooked meat mixture to the skillet with the remaining ingredients and proceed with the recipe—you’ll save about 10 minutes of prep time.
My family doesn’t like cilantro. What can I use instead?

If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley makes a great substitute for that pop of green color and freshness. You could also try chopped green onions for a different but complementary flavor.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Use a larger pot or Dutch oven instead of a skillet to accommodate the increased volume. The cooking time remains about the same, but you may need to add a few extra minutes for the pasta to become tender.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti is what I call weeknight dinner magic—simple ingredients transformed into something truly special with minimal effort. The combination of Mexican-inspired flavors with the comfort of pasta creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this versatile recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it disappears from plates!