Cheesy Taco Spaghetti
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is a Tex-Mex twist on classic spaghetti night. This fusion dish blends tender pasta with bold taco-seasoned ground beef, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheese for a weeknight dinner that’s comforting, fun, and family-approved.
It’s a one-pan wonder packed with bold flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness.
Why People Will Love This Recipe:
Comfort food meets taco night: A fun mashup of two family favorites—spaghetti and tacos.
Quick & easy: Made with pantry staples and ready in about 30 minutes.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
Cheesy & satisfying: Melty Mexican cheese blend makes every bite irresistible.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: A hit with both adults and little eaters.
Key Ingredients Highlight:
Spaghetti noodles: The pasta base that carries the taco flavor beautifully.
Ground beef: The hearty, savory component of the dish.
Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies): Adds heat, acidity, and texture.
Taco sauce: Binds everything together with tangy tomato spice.
Homemade taco seasoning: A flavorful blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, and paprika.
Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully and adds richness.
Kitchen Tools
Large pot (for spaghetti)
Deep skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board & knife
Spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring spoons/cups
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients:
8 oz spaghetti noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup diced onions
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 oz Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup Original Taco sauce (can add more if desired)
TACO SEASONINGS:
1 ½- 2 teaspoons chili powder
½- 1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
¼-½ teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 ½-2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded, (divided) Can add more if desired
cilantro & green onions, chopped garnish
Toppings:
fresh tomatoes, sour cream, black olives, etc.
Instructions:
Cook spaghetti in salted water, according to the package until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large deep skillet, heat olive oil.
Add onions and cook until tender.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef to pan, using a spatula to break it up into small pieces.
Sprinkle the beef with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Cook beef until done and then drain.
Add in Rotel, taco sauce and cooked spaghetti, tossing to coat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low (to keep warm).
Mix together taco seasonings and sprinkle over the pasta.
Toss to coat. Stir in 1 cup of cheese.
Taste and adjust spices. (Add more cheese if desired).
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and place a lid over the pot to allow the cheese to melt.
Sprinkle the top with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions.
Plate and top with your favorite taco toppings.
Recipe Notes – Cheesy Taco Spaghetti
Cook Pasta Until Al Dente
Be sure to cook your spaghetti just until al dente (firm to the bite), since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce and beef. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Drain Ground Beef Thoroughly
After browning the beef, drain excess fat to avoid a greasy finished dish. You want a rich, cheesy result—not oily.
Build Flavor with Aromatics
Sautéing onions and garlic before the beef adds depth. Let them soften and become fragrant—don’t rush this step.
Use the Rotel Liquid
Don’t drain the Rotel tomatoes—the juice adds acidity and helps blend the sauce. It also prevents the pasta from drying out.
Homemade Taco Seasoning = More Control
Mixing your own taco seasoning lets you adjust spice levels and avoid added preservatives or salt often found in store-bought packets.
Cheese Tips
Use freshly grated Mexican blend cheese for best meltability. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can interfere with smooth melting.
Add Cheese in Two Stages
Stirring in cheese while the pasta is hot helps it melt evenly into the sauce, and topping the dish with cheese at the end gives a gooey, stretchy layer.
Let It Rest Briefly
After finishing, let the skillet sit for 2–3 minutes off heat before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the cheese to settle.
Toppings Make It Personal
Provide a variety of toppings (e.g., sour cream, avocado, olives, jalapeños, diced tomatoes) so everyone can customize their plate—just like taco night!
Adjust to Your Taste
Taste before serving and adjust salt, heat, or taco seasoning as needed. The flavor should pop with savory spice and creamy richness.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 430 | Total Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 870mg | Total Carbohydrates: 36g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 4g | Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti noodles?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti noodles with other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or macaroni based on your preference.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your taste preferences.
The taco seasonings and Original Taco sauce provide a mild to medium level of spiciness.
Feel free to add more or less spice according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to be vegetarian or vegan.
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy component.
Ensure that the taco sauce and other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover Cheesy Taco Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop, adding a little water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can customize the cheese blend based on your preference.
Feel free to use a different type of shredded cheese or a combination of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the taco seasonings.
Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based ground meat or crumbles.
Ensure they are seasoned well to mimic the flavors of traditional taco meat.
What are some suggested toppings for this dish?
You can top your Cheesy Taco Spaghetti with various toppings such as diced fresh tomatoes, sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped avocado, or sliced jalapeños.
Get creative and use your favorite taco toppings!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.
Simply follow the recipe until step 12, cover the dish, and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature, then bake as directed.