Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines the bold seasonings of taco meat with classic spaghetti noodles. This dish brings together ground beef, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and cheddar cheese for a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies, including liquid)
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat 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 no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Break spaghetti: Break 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles in half to fit better in the skillet and ensure even cooking.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in ¼ cup taco seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes with their liquid, the broken spaghetti noodles, and 3 cups water into the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Bring to boil: Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil, ensuring the noodles begin to cook properly.
- Simmer covered: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the noodles to cook through and absorb flavors.
- Remove from heat: Take the skillet off the stove once the noodles are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle half of the 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese into the pan and stir well to distribute the melted cheese evenly with the spaghetti and beef mixture.
- Top and garnish: Top the dish with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor and a fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot as a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for the whole family.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- For gluten-free pasta options, use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- Reserve some extra shredded cheddar for topping each individual serving if desired.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
