Taco Spaghetti
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious one-pot meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and tender pasta into a single, satisfying dish bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 for optimal flavor and browning
- ¼ cup yellow onions diced finely for even cooking
- ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet store-bought blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes do not drain
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup cilantro chopped fresh
- Optional toppings jalapeños sliced, sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let it shimmer for about 1 minute.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and diced onions to the hot oil, breaking the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat all the beef, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine liquids and noodles: Pour in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes and the 3 cups of water, then add the uncooked spaghetti noodles directly to the pot.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat: Take the pot off the heat and let it sit for 2 minutes so the noodles can finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish with cilantro: Top with fresh chopped cilantro for color, freshness, and authentic taco flavor.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to serving bowls or plates and enjoy while hot, adding optional toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or lime if desired.