Name: Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti noodles; 1 pound ground beef; ¾ cup onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix; 1 cup canned corn, drained; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; ½ cup water; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, sliced black olives, diced avocado

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that brings the bold flavors of tacos right into your pasta bowl, then you’ve got to try the Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe! This delightful fusion takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a comforting, zesty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With hearty ground beef, vibrant seasonings, and cheesy goodness all wrapped up in tender spaghetti noodles, every bite bursts with excitement and warmth. Get ready to wow your taste buds and maybe even your family, because this recipe truly hits the mark for easy, tasty comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of ingredients arranged in sections. The bottom layer is cooked ground meat mixed with small white onion pieces, spread around the pan. On top, in separate piles, are black beans with a shiny texture, bright yellow corn kernels, red canned tomatoes, smooth red tomato sauce, and a mound of orange powdered seasoning. Nearby, two small glass bowls hold black pepper and salt, while a wooden spatula lies to the right of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the savory ground beef to the bright kick of taco seasoning, these elements combine to create a melody of flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible.

8 ounces spaghetti noodles: The perfect base that soaks up all the zesty sauce and keeps the dish hearty.
1 pound ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
¾ cup onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth.
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained: Provides fresh tomato flavor without watering down the sauce.
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, savory base for the taco seasoning.
1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix: The soul of the recipe, delivering that classic taco zest.
1 cup canned corn, drained: Adds a sweet crunch that balances the savory elements.
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed: Boosts texture and protein while lending a creamy bite.
½ cup water: Helps meld the ingredients into a cohesive sauce.
1 teaspoon cumin: Elevates the taco flavor with a warm, earthy note.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for layering and balancing seasoning perfectly.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy heaven on top.
Optional toppings: Chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, sliced black olives, diced avocado—these add freshness, heat, creaminess, or whatever your heart desires.

How to Make Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Begin by cooking your spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but with a little bite. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside. This simple step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture to stand up to the saucy taco mixture you’ll create.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This step forms the meaty foundation of your dish, making sure every bite has that satisfying, juicy texture. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Just before the beef finishes, toss in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them with the beef until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its wonderful aroma. This mix infuses your dish with a savory depth that complements the taco flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Build the Taco Sauce

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix, corn, black beans, water, and cumin. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, letting the excess liquid reduce and the flavors meld into a robust, savory sauce. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper as you go—this is where you really make the dish shine.

Step 5: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce

Now it’s time for the magic moment: add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan with your taco mixture. Toss everything together so the noodles get evenly coated in that rich, flavorful sauce, making sure every strand is perfectly dressed with the taco goodness.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your taco spaghetti and cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey topping. This cheesy layer adds richness and a wonderful finishing touch to your meal.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Feel free to get creative with optional toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, black olives, or diced avocado to add extra bursts of flavor and color. Serve it hot and enjoy every comforting, zesty bite of this fantastic fusion dish.

How to Serve Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe

A white plate holds a round serving of spaghetti mixed with a reddish-brown sauce, scattered with small pieces of cooked meat and bits of tomatoes. On top, there are several black olive slices and a generous layer of bright yellow shredded cheese. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the cheese, adding color contrast. To the right of the plate, a shiny metal fork rests on the white marbled surface. Nearby, there are two small white bowls, one filled with black olive slices and the other with shredded cheese. Part of another white plate with the same spaghetti dish is visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are where you can really make the Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe your own. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, while jalapeños bring exciting heat. Creamy sour cream cools the palate, and diced avocado lends buttery smoothness. These garnishes not only add flair but give each bite a dynamic texture and flavor that elevate the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Serve this taco spaghetti alongside crisp green salads, warm garlic bread, or even some crunchy tortilla chips for that extra Tex-Mex vibe. A simple corn salad or a fresh cucumber salsa can balance the heartiness with refreshing crunch. These sides make your meal feel complete without overpowering the fantastic taco pasta flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or just jazz up your dinner? Try serving the taco spaghetti in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions or layer it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly for a cozy family-style presentation. Adding a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top brings a surprising crunch. The Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen when rested, so the next day’s meal can be just as delicious, if not better! It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this taco spaghetti if you’re looking to prep meals in advance. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain the best texture. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the sauce saucy and the spaghetti from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, just cover loosely to retain moisture and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. The Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe is flexible enough to handle your favorite noodle shapes.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and veggies. You can maximize flavor by increasing the taco seasoning and maybe adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty and satisfying.

Can I adjust the spice level?

For sure. The taco seasoning provides mild to medium heat, but you can customize by adding more or less jalapeños, or stirring in some chili powder or hot sauce. If you prefer milder dishes, opt for mild taco seasoning and skip the spicy toppings.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning mix on hand?

No worries! You can make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This lets you control the flavor and even tailor it to your preferred spice level for the Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe.

Can I make this recipe on a single skillet to save time?

Yes! Cooking everything in one large skillet is a time-saver and means less cleanup. Just cook the ground beef, veggies, and sauce in the skillet, then toss in the cooked spaghetti. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a quick, flavorful meal without fuss.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Best Easy Taco Spaghetti Recipe (With Ground Beef) Recipe enough if you want a blend of comfort, convenience, and big, bold flavors all in one dish. It’s incredibly satisfying, simple to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up this wonderful fusion meal that feels special but comes together quickly—your taste buds will thank you!