Description
Savory Mexican-Italian fusion meets pure comfort in this irresistible Taco Spaghetti that blends zesty ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices. Home cooks will discover a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that brings exciting global flavors to your dinner table in one delicious skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti noodles
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasoning and Tomatoes:
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes (do not drain)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup yellow onions, chopped
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat (375°F), then sauté ground beef and diced onions until meat browns and onions turn translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Incorporate taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with their liquid, thoroughly blending the ingredients to create a robust flavor profile.
- Arrange uncooked spaghetti noodles across the skillet and pour water, ensuring even distribution of ingredients with gentle stirring.
- Elevate heat to boiling point, then immediately reduce to low simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, periodically rotating noodles to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente consistency and liquid reduces, fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated with the mixture.
- Remove skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that keeps all the delicious taco flavors.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising the incredible one-pan convenience.
- Control spice levels by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, allowing you to customize the heat for different taste preferences in your family or friend group.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or black beans directly into the skillet during the cooking process for more texture and wholesome goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg