Description
This flavorful Taco Spaghetti recipe combines classic taco seasonings with tender spaghetti noodles for a quick and delicious one-pan meal. Ground beef is browned with onions, then simmered with Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and pasta until perfectly cooked. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this dish offers a fun twist on traditional spaghetti with a Tex-Mex flair, ready in just 30 minutes for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Brown the Meat and Onions: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped yellow onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasoning and Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes including the juice. Then add the uncooked spaghetti noodles and 3 cups of water to the skillet, distributing ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Spaghetti: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta, then stir thoroughly to mix the cheese throughout the spaghetti, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the spaghetti with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a deliciously cheesy and fresh finish.
Notes
- Use Rotel tomatoes for a mild, slightly spicy tomato flavor, but you can substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked beans.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid before simmering to cook evenly without sticking.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount according to your spice preference to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
