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
-
8 oz spaghetti
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
-
1/2 cup water
-
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
-
1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
-
Sour cream for topping
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Add tomatoes and salsa: Stir in the diced tomatoes and salsa. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to blend the Tex-Mex flavors.
-
Combine with pasta: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the savory taco mixture.
-
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.
-
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
-
Swap spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for dietary preferences.
-
Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used instead of beef.
-
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
