Published November 4, 2025 Updated

If you love the bold flavors of tacos but crave the comforting texture of creamy pasta, this Taco Spaghetti is your next weeknight favorite. It’s a dish that fuses two comfort food icons — zesty Mexican-style beef and classic Italian noodles — into one irresistibly cheesy, flavor-packed meal.

Every bite delivers the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness. The seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and peppers mingle with a rich, cheesy sauce made from sour cream, beef broth, and melty Mexican-blend cheese. Toss it all with spaghetti, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love Taco Spaghetti

This recipe is the definition of comfort food — hearty, cheesy, and bursting with taco-inspired flavor. It’s everything you love about Taco Tuesday and pasta night rolled into one.

🌮 Two favorites in one: Combines classic tacos and spaghetti for a fun fusion meal.
⏱️ Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
🧀 Ultra creamy: The sour cream and melted cheese create a luscious, velvety sauce.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-approved: Mild enough for kids, but bold enough to satisfy adults.
🍴 One-pan comfort: Fewer dishes, more flavor — exactly how weeknight dinners should be.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti noodles
2 pounds ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (undrained)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup beef broth
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Extra shredded cheese
Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté & Brown

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce smooth and balanced.

3️⃣ Make It Saucy

Return the beef mixture to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilis (including the juice), beef broth, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
Stir until everything is well combined. Let it simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into a creamy, flavorful coating.

4️⃣ Combine

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich taco-cheese sauce.

5️⃣ Serve

Serve hot and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese. For a Tex-Mex flair, add crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño slices on top.

⭐ Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it slightly firm since it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Drain beef well: Excess grease can make the sauce oily.
Use full-fat sour cream: It adds richness and prevents curdling.

Simmer gently: Low heat helps the cheese melt smoothly without separating.
Add spice gradually: Start with the taco seasoning and adjust the heat to taste.

🌶️ Variations & Add-Ins

Make this Taco Spaghetti your own with these fun twists:

Add veggies: Stir in corn, black beans, or diced jalapeños for extra texture.
Swap the meat: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work great too.
Make it extra cheesy: Top with more Mexican blend or Pepper Jack cheese.
Add creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a meatless option.

🍽 What to Serve With It

This hearty, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with simple sides:

Recipe