Name: Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped; ½ cup chopped cilantro; ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet; 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (do NOT drain); 8 oz. spaghetti noodles (uncooked); 3 cups water; 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded

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Introduction

Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful twist on classic spaghetti, combining the zest of taco seasoning with the comfort of pasta. This one-pot dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying.

A pan filled with a mix of spaghetti noodles, cooked ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and small pieces of red tomatoes, all stirred together. The spaghetti strands are long and light yellow, tangled throughout the pan. The ground beef is dark brown and crumbly, spread evenly across the noodles. The melted cheddar cheese, orange in color, is mixed well, creating a gooey texture connecting the beef and noodles. Small leafy green cilantro pieces are sprinkled over the top, adding a fresh color pop. In the background, shredded cheddar cheese and green cilantro sit on a wooden cutting board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (do NOT drain)
8 oz. spaghetti noodles, uncooked
3 cups water
4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are soft and translucent.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning, undrained Rotel tomatoes, uncooked spaghetti noodles, and water.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pan and gently stir to combine the cheese evenly with the spaghetti and beef mixture.
Step 5: Top the dish with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add your favorite taco toppings like fresh tomatoes, black olives, or onions either mixed in or as a garnish.
For extra flavor and a golden top, transfer the dish to a casserole dish, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes with cheese on top, then broil for 3-5 minutes until browned.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
Cook the spaghetti al dente during the simmer to avoid mushiness.
Ensure the ground beef is well-browned to develop a richer flavor.
Using one pot makes cleanup easier and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing touch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of spaghetti noodles, ground beef, diced red tomatoes, and small green herb leaves. The noodles are pale yellow and twisted around each other, creating a messy, dense layer across the bowl. The ground beef pieces are brown and irregular in shape, scattered throughout the noodles. Small red tomato pieces add splashes of bright color, while green herb leaves bring fresh contrast. A silver fork rests partially inside the bowl on the left side, slightly lifting some noodles. Nearby, a bunch of green herbs and part of another bowl with a similar dish can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with similar long pasta like linguine or fettuccine, but cooking time may vary slightly. Avoid very short pasta shapes as they may not cook evenly in this one-pot method.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. If you prefer less spice, choose a mild seasoning mix and mild diced tomatoes. For extra heat, opt for spicy varieties or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.