If you’re searching for the ideal comfort food mash-up, look no further than this One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brings together the zesty, bold flavors of your favorite tacos with the irresistible coziness of creamy spaghetti – all cooked in just a single pot. With ground beef, tender noodles, gooey cheddar, and a bevy of Tex-Mex spices, every forkful is packed with flavor. Plus, cleanup is a total breeze, making this recipe an absolute weeknight superstar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how straightforward this ingredient list is – every item serves an important role, promising layers of savory, cheesy, taco-inspired goodness throughout your One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It’s colorful, hearty, and couldn’t be easier to pull together.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for deeper flavor.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the dish – opt for lean if you like, or swap for turkey.
- Onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic bite.
- Garlic (minced): Lends savory depth – don’t skip it!
- Taco seasoning: The classic Tex-Mex flavor boost; use your favorite blend or make your own.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds tang, juiciness, and a gentle kick.
- Beef broth: Infuses umami and provides the perfect cooking liquid for the spaghetti.
- Uncooked spaghetti: Break in half to fit your pot – it soaks up all those stellar flavors as it cooks!
- Tomato sauce: Binds everything in a creamy, rich tomato base.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts right in for irresistible creaminess and that classic taco vibe.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional): For a burst of fresh color and flavor to finish.
How to Make One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Break it apart as you go until it’s nicely browned, fragrant, and starting to sizzle. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften alongside the beef and bring out a burst of savory aroma. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Build the Base
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and veggies, stirring well to coat each bite with those signature Tex-Mex spices. Next, mix in your can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure to scrape any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Taking your uncooked spaghetti (break it in half if needed), carefully add it to the simmering pot. Press the noodles gently into the liquid so they become fully submerged. This is how the spaghetti absorbs all the savory goodness of the sauce as it cooks – no separate pasta pot required!
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Pop a lid on, lower the heat, and let your One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a good stir every now and then to keep the noodles from sticking and to ensure all those flavors mingle beautifully. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, but don’t let it dry out – a little sauciness is ideal.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Turn off the heat and toss in your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts into a glorious, creamy sauce coating every strand. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Now you’re ready to scoop it up and garnish with plenty of fresh cilantro or green onions (or both!). Serve hot, and watch the smiles appear.
How to Serve One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions on top adds not just color but also a wonderful pop of brightness that balances the richness of the One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. For a little extra fun, try scattering on sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines with some simple sides. Pair your spaghetti with a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette, a batch of warm, fluffy cornbread, or crunchy tortilla chips and salsa. You can even offer up a bowl of refried beans or charred corn for that full Tex-Mex spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe by serving it in wide pasta bowls, topping with crushed tortilla chips or pepitas for crunch. For a fun twist, serve in taco shells or stuff leftovers into bell pepper halves, then bake until bubbly for a new Tex-Mex experience. Kids especially love customizing their own bowls with favorite toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully! Cool it down to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Portion cooled spaghetti into freezer-friendly containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. For the best results, freeze before adding fresh garnishes like cilantro or green onions; add those just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Stir in extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent, and don’t forget those fresh garnishes to wake things right up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed and keep an eye on the liquid.
How can I make this One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Simply substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely meatless version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Opt for a spicier taco seasoning, add extra chilies, or toss in a few dashes of hot sauce. You’re in full control of the heat level, making it easy to tailor the One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe to your family’s preferences.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully for a crowd. Just use a larger pot to avoid overflow, and be sure all the pasta is well submerged in liquid. You might need an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Can I prep this in advance for busy nights?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions in advance, then cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make dinner, just add the remaining ingredients and finish cooking as directed for a lightning-fast meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, flavor-packed magic of this One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or having friends over, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try soon – I can’t wait for you to taste just how fun and delicious this Tex-Mex classic can be!
Print
One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe that combines the flavors of tacos with cheesy spaghetti in a quick stovetop meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Ingredients:
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add uncooked spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed. Press the pasta down into the liquid.
- Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers.
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
