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If you’re craving a dinner that combines the bold flavors of your favorite taco night with comfort-food vibes, you absolutely have to try this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a delightful twist that turns ordinary spaghetti into a fiesta for your taste buds, blending savory ground beef seasoned just right, creamy melted cheddar, and the tangy punch of salsa. Every bite is like a warm, cheesy hug with a little southwest kick, and best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each one plays a starring role, from the hearty, perfectly seasoned beef to the creamy cheddar that melts into every strand of spaghetti, creating a dish that’s comforting, colorful, and incredibly satisfying.
- 10 ounces spaghetti: The perfect base that soaks up all the taco-seasoned goodness.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor without too much grease.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning: The spice mix that gives this dish its signature southwestern zest.
- 1 ½ cups salsa: Brings a fresh, tangy tomato flavor that livens up the sauce.
- ¾ cup water: Helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating consistency.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and balances the spices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly for that irresistible cheesy finish.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. This is where the magic begins because perfectly cooked spaghetti forms the heart of this dish. Follow the package instructions to cook your pasta until al dente—it should be tender but still have a little bite. Once done, drain the spaghetti and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add your lean ground beef and diced onions. Cook them together for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula until it’s no longer pink and the onions have softened. This step builds a deep, savory foundation for your sauce, with the onions adding a gentle sweetness that perfectly complements the beef.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Simmer the Sauce
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions, then stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—the spices really start to sing here. Pour in the salsa, water, and heavy cream, then bring everything to a boil. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese and Combine with Spaghetti
Turn the heat down to low and add your shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold the cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt slowly, creating a rich, gooey layer of cheesy goodness. Once melted, stir in the cooked spaghetti until every strand is coated in the creamy, taco-infused sauce. Now it’s ready to serve—delicious, comforting, and ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe, consider topping it with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These little touches add vibrant color and a fresh contrast that brightens the dish. A sprinkle of diced jalapeños will add an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete but complement. A crisp green salad with a light lime vinaigrette or some crunchy tortilla chips make fantastic accompaniments. You could also serve it with a side of black beans or Mexican street corn to keep the fiesta going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or bake it briefly with an extra layer of cheese on top until bubbly and golden. You could even portion it into small bowls for a casual taco-spaghetti fusion party where everyone can add their favorite toppings at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a quick and tasty lunch or dinner option for the next day.
Freezing
To freeze your Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months, perfect if you want to prep meals ahead of time or save some for a busy day later on.
Reheating
Reheat your spaghetti gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to evenly warm the cheesy sauce and keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand like penne, rotini, or even macaroni—the sauce clings well to all kinds, making it just as delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetarian taco seasoning to keep all the flavor while making it meat-free.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
It has a mild to medium spice level, mostly coming from the taco seasoning and salsa. You can easily dial up or down the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and salsa varieties, or by adding fresh chili peppers or hot sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the beef and sauce mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti for the best texture.
What kind of cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Cheddar is the classic choice for its meltiness and tang, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend would be excellent substitutes to keep that creamy, cheesy vibe going strong.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe into your dinner rotation. It’s one of those feel-good meals that’s quick to make, endlessly comforting, and always a hit with family and friends. Gather your ingredients, crank up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a plateful of cheesy, taco-inspired yum!
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Print
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe combining classic taco-seasoned ground beef with creamy cheddar cheese and spaghetti. This easy recipe brings together the best of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisines in a comforting, cheesy pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 10 ounces spaghetti
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti well and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook and crumble the beef for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds to release the flavors. Then add the salsa, water, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine with Cheese and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and gently fold it into the beef mixture until the cheese melts completely. Finally, stir in the cooked spaghetti until well coated with the cheesy taco sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your cheesy taco spaghetti!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish lighter.
- Adjust the amount of salsa and water for your preferred sauce consistency.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or sour cream for a different texture and flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or hot sauce along with the taco seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
