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A spoonful of delicious Taco Spaghetti being lifted from a skillet, showing the cheesy texture and seasoned beef.

Taco Spaghetti: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Mashup

A one-pan Taco Spaghetti recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and spaghetti, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. The perfect easy and family-friendly weeknight dinner, ready in just over 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 recommended
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained (like Ro-Tel)
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 8 oz spaghetti broken in half
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir to combine. Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
  4. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and scatter them into the skillet. Press them down gently to submerge them in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
  7. Garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocados. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese as it melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
Tip 2: Feel free to customize with a can of black beans or corn, added with the sauce ingredients, for extra texture and flavor.
Tip 3: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add an extra splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.