If you love dishes that bring together the best of two worlds, you’re in for a treat with this vibrant and flavorful Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It combines the zesty spices and hearty ingredients of a classic taco with the comforting texture of spaghetti, creating an exciting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to make and even easier to love, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients can deliver the most unforgettable flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Taco Spaghetti Recipe, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final dish. From the savory ground beef to the bright burst of tomatoes and fresh cilantro, every element enhances the flavor, texture, and color of this delightful meal.
- Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons provide the perfect base for sautéing the beef and onions while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Ground beef: This is the hearty protein that brings richness and satisfying texture to the dish.
- Yellow onions: They offer sweetness and depth of flavor as they soften and caramelize with the beef.
- Taco seasoning: A simple packet is all you need to infuse the dish with that signature spicy taco flavor.
- Rotel tomatoes: These diced tomatoes with green chilies add juiciness and a mild kick to the sauce.
- Spaghetti noodles: The pasta base that soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Water: Essential for cooking the noodles directly in the sauce, making everything blend into one cohesive dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded and sprinkled on top, it melts perfectly, adding creaminess and a bold bite.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped for a bright, herbal finish that balances the rich flavors.
How to Make Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Start by warming up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. This creates a slick surface that prevents the beef and onions from sticking and helps develop those delicious browned bits we all love.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
Add your ground beef and ¼ cup chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook them together, stirring occasionally until the meat is fully browned and the onions have softened and turned translucent. This builds the flavor foundation for your taco spaghetti.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in ¼ cup of taco seasoning and toss in the 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes. Stir everything together so the seasoning coats the meat evenly and the tomatoes begin to release their delicious juices.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Water
Next, pour in the 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles along with 3 cups of water. This method cooks the pasta right in the skillet alongside the beef mixture, allowing the noodles to soak up those bold taco flavors as they soften.
Step 5: Simmer the Dish
Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the pasta cooks perfectly while the liquid reduces and thickens into a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Cilantro
Finally, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, melting it into the dish to create a creamy texture. Before serving, top with the remaining cheese and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh, colorful finish that elevates the whole meal.
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Taco Spaghetti Recipe with vibrant garnishes like extra freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or even thin slices of jalapeño if you like an extra kick. These finishing touches add layers of flavor and textural contrast that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with simple sides like a crisp green salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. Each side complements the rich, hearty taco spaghetti and helps balance the meal with fresh, crisp elements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Taco Spaghetti Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or colorful bowls that keep the dish warm and make dinner feel special. You can also let everyone add their favorite toppings at the table for an interactive and festive meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Taco Spaghetti Recipe in airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well thanks to its saucy nature. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label and freeze for up to 2 months, so you always have a flavorful meal on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this Taco Spaghetti Recipe and provides a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or simply add extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and corn for a delicious vegetarian Taco Spaghetti Recipe.
What type of cheese works best?
While cheddar cheese is traditional and adds a nice sharpness, you can also try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even a Mexican blend to keep the flavors authentic and melty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles instead of regular pasta, and double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes you use. You can always adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is one of those delightful meals that feels like a little party in your mouth every time you dig in. It’s simple yet packed with layers of flavor, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try – it might just become your new go-to weeknight favorite!
Print
Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with hearty spaghetti noodles for a quick and delicious one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features ground beef cooked with onions and taco spices, simmered with Rotel tomatoes and pasta, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
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 1 pound of ground beef and ¼ cup chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions become translucent, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add seasoning and ingredients: Sprinkle ¼ cup taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions, then stir in 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes, 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles, and 3 cups of water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes to let the pasta absorb the liquid and the flavors meld together.
- Add cheese and cilantro: After simmering, stir in half of the 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese to incorporate creaminess into the dish. Then, top the spaghetti with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with ½ cup chopped cilantro for freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use a 12-inch skillet with a lid to ensure even cooking and proper simmering.
- Rotel tomatoes add a slight spicy kick; if you prefer less heat, substitute with mild diced tomatoes.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- For extra flavor, garnish with sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime before serving.
