Taco spaghetti is a delightful blend of two beloved dishes: tacos and spaghetti. Imagine the rich flavors of taco seasoning combined with tender pasta, topped with gooey cheese and fresh cilantro. This recipe is not only an exciting culinary fusion but also incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you are a busy parent looking for a quick dinner option or someone eager to impress guests with minimal effort, taco spaghetti is bound to become a go-to dish in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Taco Spaghetti Recipe
What’s not to love about taco spaghetti? First, this dish combines the best of both worlds, making it a hit among both spaghetti lovers and taco enthusiasts. It offers a comforting feel with its pasta and adds a spicy kick with the taco seasoning, making every forkful an explosion of flavor.
Another reason for its popularity lies in its convenience. You can whip it up in about half an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight. Furthermore, taco spaghetti is a one-pot meal, which means you’ll spend less time cleaning up after cooking.
Let’s get to the heart of the dish by examining the ingredients that make this taco spaghetti irresistible.
Ingredients for Taco Spaghetti
To create this delicious taco spaghetti dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning or 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (do NOT drain)
- 8 oz. uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Gather these ingredients, and you are well on your way to preparing a flavorful meal that everyone at your table will enjoy!
How to Make Taco Spaghetti
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this scrumptious taco spaghetti.
- Heat the Olive Oil: Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large 12-inch skillet. Turn the heat to medium and allow the oil to warm up.
- Cook the Meat and Onions: Once the oil is hot, add the pound of ground beef and the finely chopped yellow onions to the skillet. Cook them together, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and no longer pink. You want the onions to become soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Other Ingredients: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it into the meat and onions. Next, add the can of Rotel tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate the Spaghetti and Water: Break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the skillet. Pour in the 3 cups of water. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Dish: Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the spaghetti to cook and absorb all the delicious flavors from the meat and seasoning. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- Cheese it Up: When the 15 minutes are up, remove the skillet from heat. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir it into the pasta mixture. This will help distribute the cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top along with the chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor boost.
Now you can serve your taco spaghetti immediately, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that this dish has to offer!
How to Serve Taco Spaghetti
Serving taco spaghetti is as easy as preparing it. Since it is a one-pot dish, you only need to scoot the skillet to the table and dish it out. However, to elevate the dining experience, consider serving it with the following:
- Tortilla Chips: A side of crispy tortilla chips adds a lovely crunch and complement to your hearty spaghetti.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can help cool the spicy flavors and create a creamy contrast.
- Lettuce and Tomatoes: Fresh shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes can be served on the side or sprinkled on top for added freshness.
- Extra Cilantro: Offering more chopped cilantro allows guests to customize their serving according to their tastes.
Don’t forget to serve your favorite beverage alongside this dish. A refreshing iced tea or a cold soda pairs wonderfully!
Expert Tips for Taco Spaghetti
To ensure that you make the best taco spaghetti possible, consider these expert tips:
- Control the Spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of taco seasoning you use or choose a version that isn’t spicy. Alternatively, if you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños.
- Opt for Lean Meat: Using lean ground beef can help reduce the fat content of this dish, making it a bit healthier. Alternatively, you can try turkey or chicken as substitutes.
- Cook the Pasta Right: Stir the spaghetti noodles occasionally while they cook. This will prevent them from sticking together and ensure even cooking.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar cheese is a popular choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend to change the flavor profiles a bit.
How to Store Taco Spaghetti
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely due to how delicious this dish is), you can store taco spaghetti easily. Here are the steps:
- Cool Down: Allow the taco spaghetti to cool to room temperature.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent any smell from other foods in your refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. Taco spaghetti can last for about 3-4 days when sealed properly.
- Reheating: When ready to eat again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of water to reintroduce some moisture; it helps prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating.
Variation of Taco Spaghetti
While this taco spaghetti recipe is amazing on its own, you can try various adaptations to switch things up. Here are some creative variations:
- Vegetarian Taco Spaghetti: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers and corn for added nutrition.
- Cheesy Taco Bake: If you want something that resembles a casserole, after combining everything in the skillet, transfer it to a baking dish and top it with cheese. Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
- Taco Spaghetti with Beans: Add drained canned beans, like kidney or pinto beans, for added protein and fiber. This makes the dish heartier without changing the core flavors.
- Spicy Taco Spaghetti: For those who can’t resist a kick, mix in hot sauce while cooking or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for an added heat level!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is taco spaghetti, and how is it made?
Taco spaghetti is a savory dish that combines the flavors of tacos and spaghetti. It is made by browning ground beef and onions, then mixing in taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, uncooked spaghetti, and water. This mixture simmers until the pasta is tender; it’s then topped with shredded cheese and cilantro.
Can I make taco spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Taco spaghetti can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Is taco spaghetti a good dish for feeding a crowd?
Absolutely! Taco spaghetti is a great dish for gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and it appeals to many palates, making it a crowd-pleaser.
What types of toppings can I use for taco spaghetti?
You can customize your taco spaghetti by adding toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocados, shredded lettuce, or fresh tomatoes, along with extra cheese and cilantro.
Taco Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup Yellow Onions Finely chopped.
- 1/4 cup Taco Seasoning Or 1 packet.
- 10 oz Rotel Tomatoes Do NOT drain.
- 8 oz Uncooked Spaghetti Noodles
- 3 cups Water
- 4 oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Chopped Cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onions. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes with their juices. Combine well.
- Add uncooked spaghetti and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15 minutes, remove from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Top with remaining cheese and chopped cilantro before serving.
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