Description
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with tender spaghetti and melted cheese for a quick, hearty, and flavorful family dinner. Cooked all in one pan, it’s an easy and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights that delivers a delicious Tex-Mex twist on classic spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef and onions.
- Cook beef and onion: Add diced onion and ground beef to the pan; cook for 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned and onion becomes softened. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in taco seasoning, undrained Rotel, tomato sauce, and water. Mix thoroughly to combine flavors and liquids evenly.
- Add the pasta: Add broken spaghetti to the pan and press it down gently so it is submerged in the liquid mixture.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the taco spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired for added flavor and heat.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add more jalapeños or include a sprinkle of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- For extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
