Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion of classic Italian pasta and bold Mexican flavors, combining ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and spaghetti noodles into a hearty, easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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
For Garnish:
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Cook the ground beef and onions: Add 1 pound of ground beef and ¼ cup of chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle ¼ cup of taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions, stirring well to evenly coat the meat. Cook for another minute to release the seasoning’s flavors.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Pour in the 10 oz. can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices) and 3 cups of water to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate spaghetti noodles: Add 8 oz. of uncooked spaghetti noodles, pushing them down into the liquid as much as possible so they are submerged.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve and garnish: Once the spaghetti is cooked through, remove from heat. Plate the taco spaghetti and garnish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro for freshness and added flavor.
Notes
- Do not drain the can of Rotel tomatoes as the liquid helps cook the pasta and adds flavor.
- Stirring occasionally during simmering prevents noodles from sticking.
- You can adjust the amount of taco seasoning to taste for milder or spicier flavor.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Garnish options can include sour cream or sliced jalapeños for added zest.
