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Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti: A Cozy Tex-Mex Twist for Family Dinner

Taco Spaghetti is a comforting dish that combines Italian pasta with zesty Tex-Mex flavors, making it perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Spaghetti Can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use vegetable or canola oil.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitution: Ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion Dice finely for even cooking.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced enhances taste.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Adjust for spice preference.
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes Use canned or fresh.
  • 8 ounces Tomato Sauce Varieties like marinara can be substituted.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Substitution: Vegetable broth.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Use sharp or mild based on preference.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Garnish
  • optional Cilantro or Parsley Optional based on taste preference.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Spaghetti
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside in a colander.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it's translucent and fragrant.
  3. Once the onion has softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned with no pink remaining.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef, stirring well to ensure that every bit of meat is evenly coated.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until it fully melts and creates a creamy consistency.
  7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, gently tossing it with the sauce to ensure every strand is coated.
  8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
  9. Finally, remove your skillet from the heat and garnish the Taco Spaghetti with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal texture and flavor, enjoy Taco Spaghetti fresh, as freezing may alter its creamy consistency.

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