📝 Description
A delicious twist on taco night! This creamy taco spaghetti combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner! 🍝❤️
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 8 oz (225 g) Velveeta-style processed cheese, cut into cubes
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- ½ small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the Taco Flavor
Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning, black pepper, and paprika.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and condensed cheddar cheese soup. Pour in the milk and stir until everything is combined.
- Melt the Cheese
Add the cubed processed cheese. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently until every strand is coated in the rich taco cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve and Enjoy
Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and serve hot while the sauce is creamy and delicious!
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 5–6
- Course: Dinner
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
- Cooking Method: Stovetop
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
- Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid an oily sauce.
- Add a splash of milk if the cheese sauce becomes too thick.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese for an even cheesier finish.
❤️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or tortilla chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Enjoy this cheesy taco-inspired family favorite! 🌮🍝🧀