This quick, ultimate weeknight comfort meal fuses classic spaghetti with bold taco spices, ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce all in a single skillet.
Yields: 4 to 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti noodles, broken in half or kept whole
- 2 cans (10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilis (such as RO-TEL), undrained
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packets, uncooked spaghetti noodles, the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilis, and the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and a splash of milk or heavy cream if desired. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted, smooth, and thoroughly combined with the pasta and beef to create a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions, and serve immediately straight from the skillet.