Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of classic taco seasoning with comforting spaghetti noodles, creating a delicious one-pan meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ground beef is browned with onions, simmered with Rotel tomatoes and pasta, then finished with melted cheddar and fresh cilantro for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, diced
Seasoning and Base
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
Toppings
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and onions.
- Brown beef and onions: Add the ground beef and diced onions to the skillet. Cook and stir until the beef is fully browned and the onions become translucent, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
- Add seasoning and ingredients: Stir in ¼ cup taco seasoning, 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes, 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles, and 3 cups of water to the skillet, mixing everything evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb flavors.
- Add cheese and cilantro: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the hot pasta mixture, letting it melt and blend in. Then, top the skillet with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro just before serving for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the taco seasoning.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or use lean beef.
- Make sure to cover the skillet during simmering to cook the spaghetti evenly without needing to pre-boil.
- Can easily be doubled or halved according to your serving needs.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
