Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion of classic taco flavors with comforting spaghetti, cooked all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices, simmered with tomatoes and spaghetti noodles, then topped with melty cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (approximately 1 packet)
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles (about half a standard box)
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a 12-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering and hot.
- Cook the beef and onions: Add 1 pound of ground beef and ¼ cup chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, and the onions become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Prep the spaghetti: Break the 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles in half to fit better into the skillet, ensuring even cooking.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in ¼ cup taco seasoning and 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes with their liquid. Then add the broken spaghetti noodles and 3 cups of water to the pan.
- Bring to a boil: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring the spaghetti is submerged and the ingredients begin to simmer.
- Simmer covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the spaghetti noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese into the pan and gently stir to evenly distribute the cheese and mix in the cooked spaghetti.
- Garnish and serve: Top the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese and ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the blend of spicy taco flavors with creamy cheese and herbaceous cilantro.
Notes
- For faster prep, cook the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning according to your taste preference.
- This dish can be garnished with additional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or sliced avocado for extra flavor.
- Ensure the spaghetti noodles are fully submerged in liquid during cooking to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
