When Taco Tuesday collides with pasta night, you get Taco Spaghetti—a creamy, cheesy, one-pot meal that’s equal parts comfort and bold Tex-Mex flavor. Packed with ground beef, Rotel, taco seasoning, and a triple-cheese blend, this dish is a weeknight winner, potluck pleaser, and family favorite all in one.
With just one pot and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like tacos and feels like home.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy. You don’t even have to cook the pasta separately—everything simmers together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more flavor. It’s also totally customizable: add hot sauce, extra veggies, or swap the protein.
Best of all, it feeds a crowd and freezes beautifully, making it a top-tier choice for make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 2 oz taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp Spicy Ranch or Original Ranch seasoning (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (any flavor)
- 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half
- 4 cups beef broth
For Creaminess:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar
- 4 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Hot sauce
- Crushed Doritos
Swaps and Notes
- No Velveeta? Use more cheddar or add cream cheese for richness.
- Extra veggies? Toss in corn, black beans, or chopped spinach.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes, chipotle powder, or diced jalapeños.
- Protein swap: Ground pork, veggie crumbles, or shredded rotisserie chicken work too.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti
1. Brown the Meat
- In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
- Stir in taco seasoning, ranch seasoning (if using), fire-roasted tomatoes, and Rotel.
- Mix everything together until fully combined.
3. Add Pasta and Broth
- Break the spaghetti in half and place on top of the meat mixture.
- Pour in beef broth, pressing the noodles down to ensure they’re submerged.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in Cream and Cheese
- Once pasta is cooked, stir in sour cream, Velveeta, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese.
- Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Serve and Top
- Spoon into bowls or plates and top with your favorite garnishes: jalapeños, crushed Doritos, cilantro, or hot sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta—pull it off the heat once it’s just al dente.
- Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Want it thicker? Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- Want it looser? Add a splash of milk or broth before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Turn Taco Spaghetti night into a full-on fiesta with these ChefManiac favorites:
- Dorito Casserole for extra crunch
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas to serve on the side or double the main
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a slider-swap taco twist
- Instant Pot Lasagna to pair with Italian night vibes
- Crockpot Nacho Dip to serve before or with chips on the side
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If bold, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing is your thing, don’t miss:
- Dorito Casserole
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Cheesy Chicken Sliders
- Instant Pot Lasagna
- Crockpot Nacho Dip
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti is everything you love about tacos and pasta rolled into one rich, cheesy, one-pot wonder. It’s perfect for families, potlucks, and anyone who loves bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you spice it up or keep it classic, this recipe’s going straight into the weeknight rotation.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and show us how you topped your Taco Spaghetti! And follow for more creamy, comforting, flavor-packed dinners your crew will request again and again.
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