Description
Taco Spaghetti is a quick, flavorful fusion dish combining classic Mexican taco seasoning with hearty spaghetti and ground beef. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional pasta, featuring seasoned beef, Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the aromatics. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned thoroughly and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning to evenly coat the beef mixture. Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix all ingredients well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss together thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the taco-flavored sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the combined mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and incorporates into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve alongside sour cream for added creaminess. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful taco spaghetti!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To enhance creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream when adding cheese.
- Fresh cilantro and sour cream are optional but add authentic flavor and creaminess to the dish.
