Description
Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful, easy-to-make fusion dish combining classic Italian pasta with zesty taco flavors. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is cooked together with diced onions and Rotel tomatoes, then tossed with spaghetti noodles and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, creating a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (224g)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (450g)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (187g)
- 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 Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions, stirring well to coat evenly. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes (including the juice) and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly and heat through, about 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer, you can use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned Rotel.
- To save time, use pre-diced onions or onion powder.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or tortilla chips on the side.
Keywords: taco spaghetti, taco pasta, ground beef pasta, fusion recipe, quick dinner, easy spaghetti