Taco Spaghetti One Pan

Taco spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights bringing together everything you love about cheesy tacos and saucy spaghetti into one bubbling skillet dinner. The fusion of spicy ground beef tomatoes and pasta all topped with gooey cheese creates a hearty meal that never fails to please a crowd and takes almost no time to put together.

I first made this when we could not decide between tacos or spaghetti for dinner and now it is my go to option when everyone craves something extra cozy.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef Look for extra virgin for best flavor
• Ground beef: Provides savory protein Try to use eighty five percent lean to keep some moisture and flavor
• Yellow onions: Lends a sweet savory balance Fresh firm onions work best here
• Taco seasoning: Brings zesty bold flavor to the dish Use a quality blend or your favorite packet for convenience
• Rotel tomatoes: Offers a tangy kick with diced tomatoes and green chiles Choose a can with no added salt for more control
• Spaghetti noodles: Acts as the hearty base Use standard dry spaghetti and break in half for easier cooking
• Water: Needed to cook the pasta right in the pan Use filtered if your tap water is hard
• Cheddar cheese: Adds indulgent melt and color Shred your own for better texture and taste
• Cilantro: Brightens the dish with freshness Pick vibrant green leaves and rinse well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Build the Flavor Base:

Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and set over medium heat Take your time browning the ground beef and onion together stirring occasionally for about five to eight minutes Make sure the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent since this step layers in major savory notes

Layer the Spices and Tomatoes:

Once the beef mixture is cooked sprinkle in the taco seasoning stirring thoroughly to coat the meat Even coverage ensures every bite is packed with taco flavor Pour in the full can of Rotel tomatoes including the juices to create that signature saucy base

Add Pasta and Simmer:

Break your dry spaghetti noodles gently in half then scatter over the beef mixture Pour the water evenly over top so the pasta gets submerged as much as possible Crank the heat to high until the mixture is boiling then cover the pan and drop the temperature to low Simmer for fifteen minutes without uncovering Letting the steam build is what fully cooks your pasta and melds all the flavors

Cheese It Up and Finish:

Turn off the heat then lift the lid Stir half the shredded cheddar cheese into the hot spaghetti letting it melt through Add extra cheese on top and scatter with chopped cilantro This makes the top golden and the cilantro gives a burst of freshness

Save

Cilantro is always my favorite finishing touch because it lifts the rich flavors and adds a fresh aroma My kids love scooping up the strings of cheesy spaghetti right from the skillet and it always makes dinner feel festive

Storage Tips

You can store leftover taco spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days It reheats best in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the pasta tender If you want to freeze it divide into single portions and wrap tightly for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option try switching ground beef with ground turkey or chicken Vegetarian crumbles or canned black beans also work well If you are out of Rotel use a can of diced tomatoes with a dash of chili flakes for heat Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese can be swapped in for cheddar

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot straight out of the skillet for a casual weeknight dinner Add a crisp green salad or garlic toast for a complete meal Top individual servings with avocado slices sour cream or extra cilantro for a taco night flair This dish also pairs well with corn on the cob or roasted veggies

Save

Cultural and Historical Context

Taco spaghetti combines Mexican inspired taco elements with the comforting staple of Italian American spaghetti This Tex Mex style meal reflects how classic recipes merge and evolve across cultures especially in family kitchens where quick and tasty meals are always in demand

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives all work well. Cooking times remain similar; just ensure your meat is cooked through before adding pasta.

→ Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?

No, include the juice from the Rotel tomatoes. The liquid helps cook the pasta and carries flavor throughout the dish.

→ How can I make this meal spicier?

Add extra chili powder, sliced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne to the meat as it cooks for more heat, or use hot Rotel tomatoes.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

This meal tastes great when freshly made, but leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

→ How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together?

Stir the noodles into the liquid as you add them, and give a stir occasionally during simmering to keep the spaghetti separated and evenly cooked.