Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a flavorful, one-pot meal combining the zest of taco seasoning with comforting spaghetti noodles, ground beef, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser featuring a simple stovetop simmer and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
- ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (do NOT drain)
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat oil and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the meat is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent.
- Add seasoning and liquids: Stir in taco seasoning, the entire can of Rotel tomatoes including juice, spaghetti noodles, and water.
- Simmer noodles: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the spaghetti is cooked through but still al dente.
- Mix in cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese inside, and gently stir to incorporate the cheese evenly throughout the spaghetti and meat mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Top the dish with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve hot and optionally add additional taco toppings as desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- For additional flavor, bake the prepared spaghetti in a casserole dish at 350°F for 10 minutes with cheese, then broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Add your favorite taco toppings such as fresh tomatoes, black olives, or onions for extra texture and flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall flavor.
- Cook spaghetti to al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly for deeper flavor development.
- Cooking everything in one pot simplifies cleanup and helps flavors meld together.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for a fresh, bright finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
