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Taco Spaghetti Recipe

4.5 from 146 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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