Description
A flavorful and easy Taco Spaghetti recipe combining classic taco seasoning with hearty ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a delicious Tex-Mex inspired one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning, can of Rotel, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to combine flavors and heat through.
- Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the taco-flavored sauce.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese completely melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños for a fresh, spicy kick. Serve the taco spaghetti hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use Mexican-style shredded cheese blend or add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
- This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
- Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Customize garnishes to taste, adding avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
