Taco Spaghetti Bake

This Taco Spaghetti Bake combines the hearty comfort of pasta with the bold flavors of taco night. Seasoned beef, tender spaghetti, and melted cheddar cheese come together in one satisfying dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and tasty enough to earn a permanent spot on the dinner menu.

It’s also a flexible recipe—ground beef can easily be replaced with shredded rotisserie chicken, and doubling the ingredients makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing extra meals for later.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup canned tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup tomato salsa, for serving
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Onion

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Pour in the canned tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Spaghetti

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the taco-seasoned sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Divide into serving bowls and top with tomato salsa and fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Add sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado.
• Serve with garlic bread or tortilla chips.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for easy lunches the next day.

A Family-Friendly Favorite

Loaded with cheesy, savory flavor and simple ingredients, this Taco Spaghetti Bake delivers the best of both worlds—classic pasta comfort and zesty taco-inspired goodness—all in one easy meal.