What is Taco Spaghetti? Imagine the saucy, savory goodness of a classic taco, but all tangled up with piles of perfectly cooked tortillas. What is cooked spaghetti? My grandmother used to make this every other Tuesday, alternating with regular tacos. Is it a comfort food? Is it easier to assemble tacos? ) clamoring for dinner. If you love regular spaghetti, you’re going to flip for this **Taco Spaghetti Recipe**. Is it a crowd pleaser?
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What is Taco Spaghetti?
Think of it as the love child of spaghetti night and taco night. What’s essentially spaghetti noodles coated in a flavorful, spiced meat sauce that tastes exactly like. What is your favorite taco topping? What are some good ways to serve shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream (or Greek yogurt)? What’s the best part? Is it possible to cook everything in one pot? What is the best way to enjoy new flavors? What is a great family dinner idea?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? The main reason I adore this **Taco Spaghetti Recipe** is the flavor. It’s a party in your mouth! You get that savory, slightly spicy taco seasoning, combined with the rich tomato sauce, and then all those cool, creamy toppings. It’s an explosion of deliciousness. But the real win is how incredibly simple it is to make. I’m talking 30 minutes, start to finish. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a budget-friendly meal? Ground beef is relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. What I love most is it’s such a fun way to feed your family a delicious meal. It’s the best combination of easy and delicious, trust me! My kids now request this instead of “normal” tacos, haha! It’s definitely become a new family tradition.
How do I make Taco Spaghetti?
Quick Overview
How do I make Taco Spaghetti? You’ll brown some ground beef, add taco seasoning and tomato sauce, simmer it all together with the sauce. What are some good taco toppings for spaghetti noodles? What’s the best part? It all cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a dream. I don’t need to be a gourmet chef to nail this one. Is this recipe foolproof?
Ingredients
For the main Taco Spaghetti: For a full plate
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for the extra flavor, but leaner works too)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade – I have a great recipe for homemade if you’re interested!)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup beef broth (or water, in a pinch)
* 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
* Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite taco cheese blend)
* Shredded lettuce
* Diced tomatoes
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Guacamole (optional, but highly recommended!)
* Salsa (mild, medium, or hot – your choice!)
* Sliced black olives
* Diced green onions
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. I always use a paper towel to soak up any lingering grease – it makes a big difference in the final flavor!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5 minutes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t let garlic burn! I made a mistake when I first started cooking.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Sauce
Stir in the taco seasoning, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti noodles in half (this makes them easier to eat!) and add them to the pot. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little more beef broth or water to cover the noodles. Push them down gently and try to separate them as best you can.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the spaghetti noodles are cooked through. are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. How do I prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot? I learned that the hard way when half of my spaghetti was stuck to the pan once.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve the **Taco Spaghetti** immediately, topped with your favorite taco toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, black olives, and green onions.
What to Serve It With
This **Taco Spaghetti Recipe** is honestly a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few ideas:
For a Fiesta Feel:Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole, and maybe a pitcher of margaritas. Adults, of course! Is it all about the fun factor here? I love to make a big bowl of my homemade guac, it never lasts long!
As a Casual Lunch:What is Taco Spaghetti? Is it good to pack it up in a container and bring it to work or school?
What is a quick dinner?Add a simple side salad with olive oil and vinaigrette. What’s a good way to get some greens in and balance out the richness of the spaghetti? What is my go-to salad?
For Family Gathering: Make it a potluck staple! Taco Spaghetti is always a hit at parties and gatherings. It’s easy to transport and feeds a crowd.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Want to take your **Taco Spaghetti Recipe** to the next level? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:
Beef Quality: Don’t be afraid to splurge on good-quality ground beef. It really does make a difference in the flavor. I prefer 80/20 because it has more flavor, but leaner works too. It all comes down to your preference!
Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! If you’re using store-bought, make sure it’s a good brand. Better yet, make your own! It’s surprisingly easy, and you can customize the spice level to your liking. I like to add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Noodle Nirvana: Be careful not to overcook the spaghetti noodles. They should be al dente, not mushy. I always start checking them a few minutes before the recommended cooking time to make sure they’re perfect. This is so important to get right!
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning. I sometimes add a diced jalapeño to the pot for an extra kick. It’s all about customizing it to your taste buds!
Toppings Galore: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! The more, the merrier, in my opinion. Some of my favorites include shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, black olives, green onions, and even crushed tortilla chips. Let everyone customize their own bowl!
Vegetarian Version: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. It’s just as delicious!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This **Taco Spaghetti Recipe** stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can start to grow after that.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the **Taco Spaghetti** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and get even better over time!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the **Taco Spaghetti** for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the **Taco Spaghetti** until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little water or beef broth if it seems dry. I find that a little splash of water works wonders!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My family’s all-time favorite **Taco Spaghetti Recipe**. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you give it a try! If you love simple comfort food, you’re going to adore this one. And if you’re a fan of this recipe, you should definitely check out my easy chicken enchilada casserole, it has a similar flavor profile! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them – I’m always looking for new ideas!
How to Whip Up Taco Spaghetti in Just 7 Simple Steps!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey or beef
- 2 cups vegetable broth can use chicken broth too
- 2 packets taco seasoning mild or spicy
- 20 oz diced tomatoes with chilies undrained
- 32 oz Marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 12 oz spaghetti or penne
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella or Cheddar
- 0.5 cup sour cream optional
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in vegetable broth and taco seasoning, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Add the tomatoes with chilies, continuing to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Boil pasta in a separate pot as per package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, combine Marinara sauce, heavy cream, and garlic. Stir and let simmer.
- Mix in the taco mixture and pasta, incorporate the shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with cilantro before serving.
