If you’re craving bold flavor and comfort in one satisfying dish, this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Skillet brings the best of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisines straight to your dinner table. With hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked spaghetti, zesty taco seasoning, tomatoes, salsa, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a one-pan fusion that delivers on every level. Finished with fresh cilantro and a cool dollop of sour cream, this crowd-pleasing meal is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, pasta night, or a busy weeknight, this spicy, cheesy comfort food is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A creative mash-up of tacos and spaghetti
- Made in one skillet for easy cleanup
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Quick and satisfying—ready in 30 minutes
- Comforting and cheesy with a spicy twist
- Easily customizable with toppings and mix-ins
- Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
- Budget-friendly with pantry staple ingredients
- Great way to repurpose taco night leftovers
- Perfect for Taco Tuesday with a pasta spin
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 490 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: A leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- Pasta swap: Use penne or rotini if you don’t have spaghetti.
- Add beans or corn: Mix in black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils.
- Baked finish: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a golden crust.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot throughout.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is taco spaghetti made of?
Taco spaghetti combines ground beef seasoned with taco spices, cooked pasta, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese to create a flavorful Tex-Mex fusion dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, taco spaghetti reheats well and is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
What type of salsa should I use?
Use your favorite jarred or homemade salsa—mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well if you don’t have spaghetti.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use mild salsa and omit additional spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot taco seasoning.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids tend to love the cheesy, taco-inspired flavors. Just adjust the spice level to suit their tastes.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with a plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder can replace store-bought seasoning.
Can I bake it for a casserole-style dish?
Yes, transfer everything to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.
How do I make this dish creamier?
Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the skillet before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Skillet is the ultimate fusion of flavor, combining the best elements of two beloved cuisines into one easy, satisfying meal. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and bold, cheesy goodness in every bite, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy nights, casual dinners, or when you’re craving comfort food with a kick, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Keep it spicy, cheesy, and family-approved—this is one skillet meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Print
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate Tex-Mex meets Italian comfort food mashup! This one-skillet dinner features tender spaghetti tossed with seasoned ground beef, zesty taco spices, fresh tomatoes, salsa, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Finished with fresh cilantro and sour cream, it’s a bold, family-friendly dish that brings Taco Tuesday and pasta night together in the most delicious way. Perfect for easy weeknight meals, quick dinners, and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
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8 oz spaghetti
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
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1/2 cup water
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1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
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1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Sour cream for topping
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease for a lighter dish.
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Season it up: Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes rich and flavorful.
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Add tomatoes and salsa: Stir in the diced tomatoes and salsa. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to blend the Tex-Mex flavors.
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Combine with pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the savory taco mixture.
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Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit on low heat for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and irresistibly gooey.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and a generous dollop of sour cream. Add extra salsa or jalapeños for a spicy kick, if desired.
Notes
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Swap spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for dietary preferences.
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Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used instead of beef.
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Great for leftovers—just reheat with a splash of water or salsa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot, Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
