Name: TACO SPAGHETTI: Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ lb ground beef; ¾ cups diced yellow onion; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 oz taco seasoning; 20 oz cans Rotel Original; 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lb dried spaghetti noodles; 2 cups beef broth; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese

If you’re looking for a playful twist on pasta night, look no further—TACO SPAGHETTI: is about to steal the show and your heart! Imagine all the bold, zesty flavors of a classic taco mingling beautifully with the comfort and slurp-worthy fun of spaghetti. It’s a weeknight miracle dish that brings everyone to the table fast, packed with melty cheese, savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and just the perfect hit of spice. This one-pot wonder is the best of both worlds, delivering layers of flavor and irresistible textures in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of TACO SPAGHETTI: comes from just a handful of reliable ingredients—each one playing a unique role in creating that crave-worthy fusion. Every bite owes its boldness and comforting charm to this smart selection.

Olive Oil: Brings extra richness and ensures everything cooks up golden and fragrant.
Ground Beef: The hearty foundation of this dish, giving each forkful the savory punch you love in tacos.
Yellow Onion: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness, infusing the whole sauce as it softens.
Salt: Balances every flavor and wakes up all the other seasonings.
Black Pepper: Delivers just the tiniest snap to enhance the beefy goodness.
Taco Seasoning: Built-in taco flavor with smoky, spicy notes to make this dish stand out.
Rotel Original: Diced tomatoes and green chiles add vibrant color and a tangy edge with a gentle kick.
Fresh Cilantro: Lifts the whole dish with its fresh, herby brightness.
Spaghetti Noodles: The perfect vehicle for capturing all that delicious saucy goodness.
Beef Broth: Deepens the flavor and brings everything together with savory notes.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, blanketing the dish with creamy, tangy cheddar.

How to Make TACO SPAGHETTI:

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a roomy pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring, until it turns soft and slightly golden—about 2–3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon, and let it brown completely. This builds tons of flavor for our TACO SPAGHETTI: right from the start!

Step 2: Season and Layer In the Flavor

Sprinkle the beef and onions with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Give everything a good mix until the mixture is evenly coated with those aromatic spices. Your kitchen will already start to smell like taco night—trust the process! Let it cook for another minute or so to bloom the spices and deepen their flavors.

Step 3: Bring on the Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in both cans of Rotel tomatoes (juice and all!), then add the beef broth. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro, reserved just a bit for topping later if you’d like. This combination is going to create a vibrant, savory sauce for the spaghetti noodles to soak up every bite of TACO SPAGHETTI: goodness.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Break your spaghetti noodles in half if you need to fit them comfortably in your pot. Submerge them in the bubbling liquid as well as you can, using your spoon to nudge them under. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12–14 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Once your noodles reach al dente perfection, scatter the sharp cheddar cheese over the surface. Turn off the heat and cover the pot for a couple of minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt into a luscious, creamy blanket. Give everything a final toss, taste and adjust seasonings, then dive into the most satisfying pan of TACO SPAGHETTI: ever!

How to Serve TACO SPAGHETTI:

Garnishes

Garnishing is half the fun! Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and flavor, or add sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or even a few crumbles of tortilla chips for crunch. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the warm spices of your TACO SPAGHETTI:.

Side Dishes

TACO SPAGHETTI: is hearty on its own, but it loves good company. Serve it with a simple green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette, warm garlic bread for sopping up sauce, or classic Mexican-style street corn. It’s also wonderful with sautéed veggies or roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your crowd? Try serving your TACO SPAGHETTI: in individual bowls with a toppings bar so everyone can customize their plate. Layer leftovers in a casserole dish with extra cheese and bake for an irresistibly bubbly twist. You can even spoon it into crunchy taco shells for the ultimate fusion experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover TACO SPAGHETTI: in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making it a fabulous next-day lunch or dinner solution.

Freezing

TACO SPAGHETTI: freezes beautifully! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze portions without garnish, and add fresh toppings after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave, covered, until piping hot, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. For larger amounts, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Freshen up with extra cheese or cilantro as desired.

FAQs

Is TACO SPAGHETTI: spicy?

The dish has gentle heat from the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning, but it’s family-friendly and easy to adjust. For less spice, use mild Rotel or a taco seasoning blend labeled mild. To kick it up, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a classic taco vibe, you can swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a new twist. Be sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Can I make TACO SPAGHETTI: with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are easy swaps for ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to watch the seasoning and taste as you go—sometimes leaner meats need a little extra salt or the boost of a splash of olive oil.

Do I have to cook the pasta separately?

No need! One of the best things about TACO SPAGHETTI: is that the noodles cook right in the sauce, soaking up all that taco flavor and simplifying cleanup. It’s truly a one-pot weeknight wonder!

Can I prep TACO SPAGHETTI: ahead?

Definitely. You can prep the meat, onion, and sauce base a day in advance, store in the fridge, then bring it up to a simmer and add your noodles when you’re ready to finish. This makes it easy to serve a crowd or streamline busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up dinner with something joyful and unexpected, try TACO SPAGHETTI: tonight! It’s comfort food with a playful spirit—packed with flavor, easy to share, and guaranteed to put smiles around the table. Dig in, make it your own, and let this fun fusion become a new family favorite!