Name: Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped; ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet; 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes with juice; 8 oz. spaghetti noodles, uncooked; 3 cups water; 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup chopped cilantro

There’s just something magical about digging into a dish that combines the comforting twang of taco flavors with the homely warmth of spaghetti. This Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe perfectly blends those worlds in a one-pot wonder that’s as straightforward as it is satisfying. Believe me, it’s a weeknight dinner game-changer.

The image shows a large silver pan filled with cooked spaghetti mixed with browned ground meat, small chunks of red tomatoes, and melted orange-yellow cheese spread evenly throughout. Green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some shredded cheese and sprigs of cilantro nearby. A wooden board with a block of cheese and more shredded cheese is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels like a cozy hug after a busy day. The flavors are bold yet familiar, and the best part? It all cooks in one pan, which means less fuss and more time to kick back.

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and layering the flavors deliciously.
Bold Taco Flavor Meets Comfort Food: You get that spicy, savory taco taste right in your pasta — not your usual spaghetti!
Quick and Simple: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for hectic evenings or last-minute meals.
Customizable Toppings: Easily add your favorite taco fixings to make it your own, whether that’s fresh salsa, extra cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

The image shows a close-up of spaghetti pasta mixed with ground meat and small chunks of red tomato pieces, lifted by a golden fork. The pasta strands are light yellow and coated with a sauce that has a slightly oily texture. There is a single green leafy herb, possibly cilantro, on top of the lifted spaghetti. The background has a block of yellow cheese blurred, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The taco seasoning spices up the beef, the Rotel tomatoes add a juicy kick, and the spaghetti noodles soak everything up like a flavor sponge. If you grab quality ingredients, especially fresh onions and cheese, you’ll notice a huge difference.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a small white bowl filled with finely chopped pale yellow onions, an uncracked brown egg with a smooth shell, a small white bowl containing vibrant red diced tomatoes with juice, uncooked nest of golden spaghetti noodles, a small white bowl of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green cilantro, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a mild fruity base flavor.
Ground Beef: The hearty protein delivering rich texture and a great canvas for the taco spices.
Yellow Onions: Add sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Taco Seasoning: The magic mix that infuses the dish with that classic taco punch.
Rotel Tomatoes: These bring acidity and tang, and their juice helps cook the pasta right in the skillet.
Spaghetti Noodles: Standard spaghetti works perfectly here, absorbing all the flavors while adding comfort-food vibes.
Water: Essential for cooking the pasta right in the skillet with the other ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds creaminess and a sharp finish that ties the dish together.
Cilantro: Freshness and a bright herbaceous note that cuts through the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how forgiving this Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe is, which makes it perfect to tweak according to your mood or pantry. Over the years, I’ve played around with different twisty add-ins and toppings — you should definitely try to make it yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option — both work beautifully with the spices.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn to sneak in more color and texture.
Cheese Lover’s Upgrade: Mix in pepper jack along with cheddar if you want a little melt-in-your-mouth heat.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce if you like things fiery.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Onions

Start by heating olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. I like to let it shimmer before adding my ground beef and chopped yellow onions. Brown the beef well — this part builds flavor, so get a nice golden crust without rushing. Stir occasionally so the onions soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left before moving on; it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in that taco seasoning or the contents of a taco seasoning packet, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Then pour in the canned Rotel tomatoes with their juice — don’t drain them! The juice helps cook the pasta and infuses the whole skillet with zesty tomato goodness.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Water, Then Simmer

Next, nestle the uncooked spaghetti noodles right into the skillet, spreading them out so they’re submerged as much as possible. Pour in the water, crank the heat up, and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15 minutes. This hands-off step lets the noodles absorb all those fantastic taco flavors without clogging your stovetop with pots and pans.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Finish with Fresh Cilantro

After removing the lid, sprinkle half the shredded cheddar into the skillet. Stir gently to melt the cheese and mix it throughout the pasta and meat. Now top it off with the remaining cheese and a generous handful of chopped cilantro for that fresh, herby pop. The warmth from the skillet melts the top layer of cheese beautifully, making it almost irresistible.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve discovered a few tricks that really take this Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips will save you time and make cleanup easier — and help you catch flavor boosts you might not expect.

Brown the Meat Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step — a well-browned beef base means deeper flavor all through the dish.
Use Rotel Tomatoes with Juice: The juice is crucial for cooking the pasta and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Keep the Lid On While Simmering: This traps steam and helps the spaghetti cook evenly without drying out.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Check at 15 minutes and make sure spaghetti is al dente — a little firmness is best for texture.

How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a handful of fresh cilantro and a little extra shredded cheddar. Sometimes I’ll add diced tomatoes or sliced black olives for a colorful, tangy finish. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime adds a lovely cool contrast to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This skillet stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I often serve it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for soaking up the sauce. Refried beans or a simple avocado salad also pair beautifully to keep the taco vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special dinners, I’ve baked this recipe in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese until bubbly and golden, then broiled for a few minutes to get that delightful crust. It turns a simple skillet recipe into a fancy crowd-pleaser with very little effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so reheated leftovers often taste even better. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the cheese and sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, which is perfect for meal prep. Let it cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it looks dry.

Reheating

Reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little bit of water or broth helps keep the pasta moist and cheesy without drying out. If you prefer the microwave, warming it in short intervals and stirring in between does the trick without overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is great for soaking up the sauce, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is this Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe?

It has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. You can always adjust by adding more or less seasoning, or spice it up with additional chili powder or hot sauce if you like a fiery kick.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, tofu crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.

What are the best toppings for Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe?

Classic toppings include fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and avocado. Customize with whatever you love on your tacos!

Final Thoughts

This Taco Spaghetti Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting meals that I always come back to — partly because it’s easy, partly because it’s delicious, and partly because it feels like home. Give it a try; I promise it’s going to become your new go-to weeknight favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.