Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup yellow onions, chopped
- ¼ cup taco seasoning or 1 packet
Other Ingredients
- 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes (do NOT drain)
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups water
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat and Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add Seasoning and Ingredients: Stir in taco seasoning, the entire can of Rotel tomatoes including juice, uncooked spaghetti noodles, and water into the skillet with the browned beef and onions.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the spaghetti is cooked al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese onto the pasta and stir gently to mix the cheese into the cooked spaghetti.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the spaghetti with the remaining cheese and chopped cilantro. Optionally, add any preferred taco toppings or garnishes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Add fresh tomato, black olives, or onions as additional taco toppings or garnish.
- For extra flavor, bake the dish in a casserole at 350°F for 10 minutes with cheese, then broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is browned.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Make sure to brown the meat well for deeper flavor.
- One-pot cooking simplifies cleanup and enhances flavor blending.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or sour cream for a fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
