Ready for an easy dinner idea to change things up? This Cheesy Skillet Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta. This flavorful dish is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something a little different but still want a hearty and satisfying meal. With a blend of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, tender noodles, and gooey melted cheese, taco spaghetti is sure to become a new family favorite in no time.

I made this cheesy beef taco pasta in my cast iron skillet, but a large frying pan works, too. This is a quick weeknight dinner option that is great for taco Tuesday, picky kids, or when you just need to throw stuff together with what you have!

Why I love this Skillet Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Just 7 ingredients!
Great for the entire family (including picky kids, maybe just leave out the jalapeño)
Budget friendly
Customizable
One pan meal
Ready in about 30 minutes!

If you know me by following along, you know that I love simple dinner recipes with low amounts of ingredients. I make this skillet taco spaghetti when I don’t know what to maker am trying to work out of the pantry. We generally always have ground beef in the freezer, noodles, salsa, taco seasoning, and cheese. So this is a win-win. Plus my girls like it, too. You can definitely use a different pasta noodle and other substitutions to work for your family.

Ingredients in this Cheesy Taco Spaghetti

Ground Beef– or ground turkey
Jalapeno– Optional
Packet of Taco Seasoning– or make your own homemade taco seasoning easily with spices you have.
Salsa– Use what you have, or even canned tomatoes will work you just might have to add some more seasonings.
Tomato Sauce– this helps create the sauce.
Spaghetti Noodles– regular or I like to swap for whole wheat.
Mexican Style Cheese
Toppings of choice– I like fresh tomatoes, green onions or cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce!

Watch the video for this Mexican Spaghetti below!

How to make this One Pan Taco Spaghetti

First Grab out your cast iron skillet and heat over medium high heat. Add in the ground beef and diced jalapeño if using. Cook until browned. If it’s greasy, drain and return to the heat.

Next add in the taco seasoning, salsa, tomato sauce, and water. Give everything a stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Break your spaghetti noodles in half and add to the pan. Use. apiece of foil or pan cover to cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Halfway through, stir around the noodles so they cook more evenly. After the 20 minutes and the noodles are tender, top with shredded cheese and cover to let melt a bit. Then top with some green onions or cilantro or fresh tomatoes and serve!

Additions & Substitutions:

Prefer a different meat? You can use ground turkey or even chorizo would be yummy!
Like is spicy? Use a hot salsa, more jalapeños, or red pepper flakes!
Healthier options? You can use whole wheat pasta or even veggie noodles.
Feel free to add in some shredded carrots, diced onion, green pepper, or even shredded zucchini for more veggies!

Like this Cast Iron Skillet Meal? Check out my:

Make sure to PIN IT!