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Taco Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This Taco Spaghetti recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining the zest of taco seasoning with hearty ground beef and tender spaghetti noodles. Enhanced with Rotel tomatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro, it offers a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors in under 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Spices and Seasoning

  • ¼ cup taco seasoning (1 packet)

Pantry Items

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes (including juice)
  • 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
  • 3 cups water

Dairy

  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Place a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, warming it until shimmering.
  2. Brown the Beef and Onions: Add the ground beef and chopped onions to the skillet, cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the onions turn soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Seasonings and Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes with juice, uncooked spaghetti noodles, and 3 cups of water, mixing everything thoroughly.
  4. Simmer the Spaghetti: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the spaghetti is cooked through and tender.
  5. Mix in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pan and stir to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the cooked spaghetti and beef mixture.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a 12-inch skillet for even cooking and enough room to stir the spaghetti comfortably.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Adjust the taco seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.