Cheesy Taco Spaghetti quickly became one of those comforting dinners I knew I would make again after the very first bite.
The moment the seasoned beef started cooking with onions and bell peppers, the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of taco night mixed with the cozy feeling of a pasta dinner.
What I love most about this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti recipe is how creamy and flavorful it turns out without requiring complicated ingredients.
The melted Monterey Jack cheese wraps around every strand of spaghetti, while the diced tomatoes with green chiles add just the right amount of bold flavor. Cheesy Taco Spaghetti tastes like tacos and creamy pasta came together in the best possible way.
Key Ingredients in Cheesy Taco Spaghetti
The ingredients in Cheesy Taco Spaghetti are simple, but together they create an incredibly rich and satisfying meal.
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
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Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is a rich and comforting pasta dinner made with seasoned ground beef, spaghetti noodles, diced tomatoes with green chiles, evaporated milk, taco seasoning, and melted Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy Tex-Mex flavor.
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef and veggies
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease and move the mixture to a bowl.
3. Make the cheese sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to low and pour in the evaporated milk. As it warms, slowly add the Monterey Jack cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously until smooth and fully melted.
4. Thicken the sauce
Mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then pour it into the cheese mixture. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Bring everything together
Return the cooked beef mixture to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir in the drained spaghetti and mix well to coat the noodles in the cheesy taco sauce.
6. Serve
Ladle into bowls and enjoy a creamy, taco-inspired pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
If you enjoy cozy family dinners like this, you may also love Creamy Crockpot Chicken Fajita Pasta, Old Fashioned Beef Spaghetti in Cheesy Cream, or Cheesy Hashbrown Dorito Casserole for even more comforting meal ideas.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Step-by-Step
-Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles well and set them aside while preparing the sauce.
-In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper. Stir frequently until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables soften. Drain any excess grease and transfer the mixture to a bowl.
-Lower the heat and pour the evaporated milk into the same skillet. Slowly add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly so the cheese melts smoothly into the milk.
-In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Pour it into the cheese sauce and stir gently until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
-Return the beef and vegetable mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
-Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until every noodle is coated in the cheesy taco sauce. Let it cook for another minute so all the flavors blend together perfectly.
-Serve hot straight from the skillet for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Helpful Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Spaghetti
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce because pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.
- Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue warming in the sauce.
- Add extra diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicier taco flavor.
- Stir the cheese slowly into warm milk to prevent clumping.
- Serve with crushed tortilla chips or fresh cilantro for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Spaghetti is the kind of meal that brings comfort with every bite. After making it myself, I loved how the creamy cheese sauce blended perfectly with the taco flavors and tender pasta. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to feel special at the dinner table. Once you try it, this cheesy pasta recipe will likely become a regular favorite in your home.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.