Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion dish combining the rich flavors of taco seasoning with classic spaghetti noodles, all cooked in one skillet for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Ground beef is browned with onions, then simmered with taco seasoning, tomatoes, and spaghetti, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a flavorful, comforting dish.
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
- Brown the meat and onions: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped yellow onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink and onions are soft and translucent.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in taco seasoning and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes including the juice. Add uncooked spaghetti noodles and 3 cups of water to the skillet.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes until spaghetti is tender and water is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pan and stir well to evenly distribute melted cheese throughout the spaghetti.
- Garnish and serve: Top the dish with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro before serving for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- Customize toppings by adding fresh tomato, black olives, or extra onions either mixed in or as garnish.
- For extra cheesy flavor, bake the cooked spaghetti in a casserole dish at 350°F for 10 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor and texture.
- Cook spaghetti al dente to avoid soggy noodles and maintain a pleasant bite.
- Ensure meat is well-browned for a richer, deeper flavor profile.
- Cooking everything in one pot simplifies cleanup and helps blend flavors.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed to your preference.
- Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream can add a fresh, creamy contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
