Description
This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion dish combining classic taco flavors with comforting spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features ground beef simmered in a spicy, flavorful sauce with diced tomatoes and taco seasoning, tossed with al dente pasta and finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 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
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined later with the beef mixture.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning until evenly distributed. Add undrained Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot, stirring to thoroughly coat the pasta with the taco beef sauce mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve with sour cream on the side for an extra creamy touch.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and improve the nutritional profile of the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes.
- Can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
