Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold, spicy flavors of taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with hearty spaghetti and ground beef, creating a delicious fusion dish that cooks in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and melty cheddar cheese for a perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (224g)
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (450g)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (187g)
Seasoning & Toppings
- 1 (1-ounce/28g) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10-ounce/284g) can Rotel tomatoes
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (114g)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well.
- Brown the Meat and Onion: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, the can of Rotel tomatoes with their juices, and the reserved ½ cup of pasta water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the taco beef mixture. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts evenly, creating a cheesy taco spaghetti sauce that coats the noodles well.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the taco spaghetti immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro. Optionally, add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, or extra cheese for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and prevent excess grease.
- Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling better to the noodles.
- Rotel tomatoes add a nice spicy kick; adjust seasoning if you prefer milder flavors.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
