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+ servings
Melissa Jo

Creamy Taco Spaghetti

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One of my most viral recipes ever is my Million Dollar Spaghetti, and for good reason — it’s one of the most delicious renditions of baked spaghetti you’ll ever have. But here’s the thing: although I tried that trend and loved it, back when my kids were little, I used to make something called creamy taco spaghetti. I’ve never really seen anyone else do it quite like this. Sure, people make taco spaghetti, but I’ve never seen them make a creamy, cheesy, baked taco spaghetti like I used to for my boys when they were in elementary school. So I decided to recreate that nostalgic recipe — and it turned out so dang good. It actually tastes a bit like the TikTok-famous Million Dollar Spaghetti, but smokier, zestier, and more like a taco. Here's more recipes with tacos in it if you want it!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

Method
 

1️⃣ Cook pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Scoop out 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make taco meat base:
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
  2. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic with chili pepper. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned, onions are soft, and meat is no longer pink.
3️⃣ Build the sauce:
  1. Add taco seasoning, Rotel (with juices), drained corn, and tomato sauce.
  2. Pour in about ½ cup reserved pasta water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4️⃣ Make it creamy:
  1. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined. Let it bubble gently for a couple more minutes.
5️⃣ Assemble in the baking dish:
  1. Add a ladle of sauce to the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Place drained spaghetti in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over top and toss everything together until evenly coated.
6️⃣ Top & bake:
  1. Sprinkle freshly shredded Colby Jack and cheddar cheeses all over the top.
  2. Add a pinch of extra taco seasoning right over the cheese, then scatter sliced green onions.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 min, until hot and bubbly. Broil for 2-3 min at the end for a golden cheesy crust.
7️⃣ Garnish & serve:
  1. Top with more green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños if you like.
  2. Serve hot with tortilla chips on the side for scooping — they’re perfect for catching all that creamy, cheesy goodness!

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