Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the flavors of classic taco seasoning with tender spaghetti noodles and melty cheddar cheese for a quick and comforting one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
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
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasoning and liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with their juice. Then add the uncooked spaghetti noodles and 3 cups of water, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Incorporate the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Stir to melt and evenly distribute the cheese throughout the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Top the taco spaghetti with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Add your favorite taco toppings such as fresh tomato, black olives, and onions as garnish or mixed in.
- For extra flavor and a crispy cheese topping, bake the dish in a casserole dish at 350°F for 10 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes until browned.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Ensure the beef is well-browned to develop deeper flavor.
- This is a one-pot meal which simplifies cleanup and helps flavors meld together.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
