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Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

This Cheesy Taco Spaghetti combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta, ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese. A one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup diced red onion

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups water

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 oz dry spaghetti
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Aromatics and Beef: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced red onion and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Drain Excess Grease: If there is excess grease, drain it from the pan to avoid a greasy dish.
  3. Add Seasonings and Pasta: Stir in taco seasoning, undrained Rotel tomatoes, dry spaghetti, and water directly into the skillet. Mix everything together to combine.
  4. Bring to Boil: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring pasta is submerged.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  6. Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined into the pasta.
  7. Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or additional tomatoes.

Notes

  • Use 85% lean ground beef for best flavor and balance of fat.
  • Rotel tomatoes add a nice spicy kick but can be substituted with diced tomatoes and green chilies.
  • Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with meatless crumbles.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Spaghetti, one-pan meal, taco pasta, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, Tex-Mex pasta

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/cheesy-taco-spaghetti-recipe/