Taco Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta (or spaghetti noodles)
- 1/2 block (8 oz.) Velveeta cheese, diced
- 1 can (10 oz.) Rotel (original)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, to help melt the cheese)
- Cheesy garlic bread sticks (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add the angel hair pasta (or spaghetti noodles) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-6 minutes for angel hair pasta.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the taco seasoning packet along with the amount of water specified on the seasoning packet (usually about 2/3 cup). Stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large pot or the same pot used to cook the pasta, add the cooked and drained pasta.
- Add the diced Velveeta cheese and the can of Rotel (do not drain the Rotel).
- Pour in a small amount of milk (about 1/4 cup) to help the cheese melt smoothly. This step is optional but recommended for a creamier texture.
- Place the pot over low heat and gently stir until the cheese is fully melted and combined with the Rotel and pasta, creating a creamy sauce.
- Mix in the Beef:
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the pot with the cheesy pasta mixture.
- Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve the Taco Spaghetti hot, with cheesy garlic bread sticks on the side if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Plate the Taco Spaghetti and enjoy this easy and delicious meal!
Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks (Optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 package of pre-made breadstick dough (or your favorite breadstick recipe)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven according to the breadstick dough package instructions (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
- Prepare Breadsticks:
- Arrange the breadstick dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Add Toppings:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic together.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the breadsticks.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the breadsticks.
- Bake:
- Bake the breadsticks in the preheated oven according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheesy garlic bread sticks warm alongside your Taco Spaghetti.
Enjoy your meal!