Introduction
Taco Spaghetti is a delicious fusion dish that combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti with the bold, zesty taste of tacos. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick meal that the whole family will love, this dish is cooked in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. With its savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a hint of spice from taco seasoning, Taco Spaghetti offers a delightful twist on two classic dishes. Whether you’re a fan of Italian or Tex-Mex cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keyword: how to make taco spaghetti, taco spaghetti recipe, what is taco spaghetti
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 599 kcal
Author: Beth Pierce
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel tomatoes
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a Dutch oven or large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. As the beef begins to brown, add the chopped onion. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Increase the heat back to medium and add the Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Once boiling, add the spaghetti noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the spaghetti until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Place a lid on the pot to allow the cheese to melt, which should take a few minutes. Once melted, stir the cheese into the spaghetti. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Tips for Making Taco Spaghetti
Use Ground Beef with a Little Fat
For the most flavorful and tender result, use ground beef with a bit of fat content. This adds richness to the dish.
Easy Fat Removal
Instead of draining the fat from the pot (which can be messy), tilt the pot and use a paper towel to soak up any excess grease. This method is simple and reduces the risk of losing any beef.
Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
For enhanced flavor, try making your own taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, and ground cayenne pepper.
Substitute Proteins
Ground turkey or ground pork can be used in place of ground beef for a different flavor profile or a lighter option.
Pasta Variations
This recipe works well with other types of pasta, such as thin spaghetti, rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rigatoni. Feel free to use what you have on hand.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Taco Spaghetti vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
What can I use if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?
If you don’t have Rotel tomatoes, you can use a can of diced tomatoes and add some chopped green chilies for a similar flavor.
Can I freeze Taco Spaghetti?
Yes, Taco Spaghetti can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of taco seasoning, use a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes, or add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
What toppings can I add to Taco Spaghetti?
Feel free to customize your Taco Spaghetti with additional toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
Taco Spaghetti is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together the best of two worlds—Italian and Tex-Mex cuisine. With minimal prep and just one pot, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Enjoy this easy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish any night of the week!