Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef and Rotel tomatoes with tender spaghetti noodles for a quick and satisfying meal. Ready in just about 20 minutes, it’s an easy one-pan dish topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and onions.
- Cook beef and onions: Add the ground beef and chopped onions into the skillet, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the canned Rotel tomatoes along with their juices, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
- Add pasta and water: Place the uncooked spaghetti noodles in the skillet, then pour in 3 cups of water. Stir carefully to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the spaghetti: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and integrates smoothly into the pasta mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top, and serve the taco spaghetti hot for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to make the dish leaner.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- The dish can be topped with sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
