Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines the zest of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti, ground beef, and Rotel tomatoes. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a delicious blend of Tex-Mex and Italian influences topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
Spices and Seasonings
- ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet
Tomatoes and Pasta
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (do NOT drain)
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups water
Dairy
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- Heat oil and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and yellow onions and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in taco seasoning and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes including the juice. Then add uncooked spaghetti noodles and pour in 3 cups of water.
- Simmer the spaghetti: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the spaghetti is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Mix in cheese: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the spaghetti. Stir gently to combine the cheese evenly throughout the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Top the spaghetti with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Add any favorite taco toppings like fresh tomato, black olives, and onions as garnish or mixed in.
- For extra flavor, bake the assembled dish at 350°F for 10 minutes with cheese, then broil for 3-5 minutes until browned.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for better flavor.
- Cook spaghetti al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- Ensure the meat is well browned for deeper flavor.
- This is a one-pot meal which simplifies cleanup and enhances flavor melding.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness.
Keywords: Taco Spaghetti, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, quick dinner, easy spaghetti recipe