Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful one-pan meal that blends the zest of taco-seasoned ground beef with tender spaghetti noodles, juicy tomatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. Ready in just about 30 minutes, this dish offers a quick, delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, diced
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (approximately 1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies, including liquid)
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked (about half a standard box)
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and onions.
- Brown the beef and onions: Add 1 pound of ground beef and ¼ cup of diced yellow onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Prepare the spaghetti: Break 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles in half for easier cooking and better mixing in the skillet.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in ¼ cup taco seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 10 ounces of Rotel tomatoes with juice, the broken spaghetti noodles, and 3 cups of water into the skillet with the cooked beef and onions.
- Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring the noodles begin to soften and cook.
- Simmer covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the spaghetti to cook fully and absorb flavors.
- Add cheese and mix: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir gently to evenly distribute the melted cheese throughout.
- Finish and garnish: Top the pasta with the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for a warm, cheesy, taco-inspired pasta meal.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti noodles in half helps them cook evenly and fit better in the skillet.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra Rotel tomatoes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Ensure the skillet is covered properly while simmering so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors; omit if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
