Description

A hearty and flavorful one-pot Taco Spaghetti recipe combining classic taco seasonings with spaghetti for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features ground beef simmered with tomatoes, taco spices, and beef broth, tossed with al dente spaghetti, and finished with melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh garnishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces spaghetti

Meat and Aromatics

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

1 tablespoon olive oil
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
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnishes (Optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream

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Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat while breaking it up with a spoon, until it is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning to the browned beef mixture. Next, add the undrained Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld.
Combine with Spaghetti: Return the cooked spaghetti to the pot and toss it thoroughly with the sauce and beef mixture so that the pasta is evenly coated.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti and stir continuously until the cheese melts and becomes well incorporated into the dish.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess and tang.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
You can substitute Rotel tomatoes with regular diced tomatoes and add chopped green chilies for a similar flavor.
For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
To make this vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding sour cream just before serving provides a creamy contrast to the spicy taco flavors.