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This hearty Taco Spaghetti combines two family favorites into one irresistible dish that's become my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
I created this recipe when I had planned tacos but discovered we were out of shells. With hungry children waiting, I improvised with spaghetti instead of shells and was shocked when it became an instant family favorite that's now requested at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Ground beef creates the hearty base try using 85 percent lean for best flavor without excess grease
- Onion and garlic provide aromatic depth essential for building layers of flavor
- Taco seasoning infuses authentic Mexican flavors throughout choose low sodium if watching salt intake
- Beef broth creates a rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta better than water ever could
- Diced tomatoes add juicy bursts of flavor and contribute to the saucy texture
- Green chilies bring mild heat and authentic southwestern character without overwhelming spiciness
- Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce optional but they add incredible umami depth that makes the dish taste like it simmered for hours
- Shredded cheese melts into the sauce creating irresistible creaminess use a Mexican blend for best results
- Spaghetti forms the foundation choose regular or gluten free depending on dietary needs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Toss with a tiny drizzle of olive oil if not using immediately to prevent clumping.
- Brown the Meat Mixture
- Heat a large deep skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add ground beef and diced onion to the hot pan breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. If there's excessive grease tilt the pan and spoon it out or drain in a colander if necessary.
- Build the Flavor Base
- Add chopped garlic and taco seasoning to the meat mixture. Stir continuously for 60 seconds until intensely fragrant but not burned. This brief cooking blooms the spices and releases their essential oils creating deeper flavor throughout the dish.
- Create the Sauce
- Pour in beef broth diced tomatoes with their juice green chilies soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 5 minutes uncovered. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly becoming more concentrated and flavorful.
- Finish the Dish
- Turn off heat and immediately sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface of the hot sauce. Let it sit undisturbed for 30 seconds then stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated creating a creamy cohesive sauce. Season with salt and pepper tasting as you go. Add cooked pasta and chopped cilantro tossing everything together until each strand is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
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The secret ingredient that truly elevates this dish is the combination of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. I discovered this trick accidentally when trying to deepen the flavor of a batch that seemed a bit flat. These umami boosters create a richness that makes people think you've been simmering the sauce for hours rather than minutes.
Storage Tips
This Taco Spaghetti stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices have more time to permeate throughout the dish. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta will absorb liquid during storage. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Simple Swaps
Don't let missing ingredients stop you from enjoying this versatile dish. Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly in place of beef for a lighter option. No taco seasoning? Create your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Rotini or penne can substitute for spaghetti, actually holding the chunky sauce even better. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with two cans of black beans or a pound of crumbled firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef.
Family Style Serving
Transform this into an interactive meal by setting up a toppings bar with diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, and extra cheese. This approach makes dinnertime more engaging and allows everyone to customize their bowl. I often serve this with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette and a basket of warm cornbread for a complete meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.
Common Queries
- → What can I substitute for ground beef in Taco Spaghetti?
Ground turkey makes an excellent lighter alternative to beef. For vegetarian options, use plant-based ground meat substitutes, crumbled tempeh, or a mixture of black beans and chopped mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture and flavor profile.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti pasta, ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free, and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Also verify that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten ingredients.
- → Can I make Taco Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish completely, let it cool, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. The flavors often develop further overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- → What are the best cheese options for Taco Spaghetti?
A Mexican cheese blend works perfectly, but you can also use cheddar for sharpness, Monterey Jack for meltability, or pepper jack for extra heat. For authentic Mexican flavor, try using queso fresco or cotija as a finishing cheese rather than in the sauce.
- → What sides pair well with Taco Spaghetti?
This hearty dish works well with lighter sides like a simple green salad with cilantro-lime dressing, Mexican street corn (elote), roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas. For a complete fusion experience, serve with garlic bread seasoned with a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- → How spicy is this dish, and how can I adjust the heat level?
As written, Taco Spaghetti has a mild to medium heat level from the taco seasoning and green chilies. To increase spiciness, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. For a milder version, use a mild taco seasoning and reduce or omit the green chilies.