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
Scale
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.
