Description
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a quick and easy dinner combining the bold flavors of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with classic spaghetti. Ground beef is cooked with onions and taco seasoning before simmering together with broken spaghetti in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is finished with a creamy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, making it a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook beef and onion: Add diced onion and ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, undrained Rotel, tomato sauce, and water. Mix everything well to combine the flavors and create the base sauce.
- Add spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pan, pressing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. This ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
- Simmer pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in cheeses: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit in the pan and cook evenly.
- Use low heat to prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the pan during simmering.
- Draining the excess grease from cooked beef reduces excess fat in the final dish.
- Optional garnishes add freshness and heat but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
