If you are craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together effortlessly, you absolutely need to try this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It perfectly marries the zest of classic taco spices with the comfort of a hearty pasta dish, all cooked in a single pot for maximum convenience. Every bite delivers a satisfying blend of juicy ground beef, tender spaghetti, melty cheddar, and fresh, bright toppings that turn a simple meal into a fiesta on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe relies on humble, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the robust ground beef to the fresh cilantro garnish, every component adds something special.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base packed with savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ensures your beef cooks evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Offers sweetness and texture as it softens during cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth that complements taco spices perfectly.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Brings that unmistakable zesty, spicy kick essential to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Introduces juicy acidity and vibrant color.
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies, diced: Lends a mild heat and depth of flavor without overpowering.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, saucy base for the spaghetti to absorb.
- 2 cups beef broth: Hydrates the pasta as it cooks and enriches the overall meatiness.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: The heart of the dish, soaking up all those amazing flavors while staying tender.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, richly cheesy topping everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast when served on top.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brings freshness and a burst of herbal brightness as a garnish.
How to Make One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned. The scent alone will get your appetite going. Remove excess grease, then toss in diced onions to soften and sweeten up the base flavor. This foundational step sets the stage for the rest of the dish’s amazing taste.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until you catch its fragrant aroma—about 30 seconds. Then sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture, ensuring every bit of beef is coated in that vibrant, spicy blend. This is where your One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe really starts to build its signature flavor profile.
Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes, Chilies, Sauce, and Broth
Now it’s time to pour in all the liquids and chunks: diced tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly. These elements not only add moisture for cooking the pasta but also create a rich, tangy sauce that ties the whole dish together.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
Add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the simmering mixture, gently pressing it down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This hands-off step allows the pasta to soak up all those fantastic taco flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Once your spaghetti is cooked through, remove the pot from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it sit for a few minutes, giving the cheese time to melt into a luscious, creamy layer. When you stir it all together, you’ll have a delightfully cheesy, saucy finish that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 6: Serve with Sour Cream and Cilantro
Finally, scoop the taco spaghetti into bowls and crown each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These simple garnishes provide the perfect cooling balance and a pop of color, giving your dish that authentic, fresh touch.
How to Serve One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sour cream and chopped cilantro as garnishes is a game-changer. Sour cream offers a silky smoothness that cuts through the spice, while cilantro brightens every forkful with its fresh, citrusy notes. Feel free to add diced avocado or jalapeños for extra creaminess or heat.
Side Dishes
This taco spaghetti pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette or crunchy tortilla chips to scoop up any leftover sauce. Roasted corn or a light bean salad can also complement the meal without competing with the rich flavors of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe party-ready, serve it in small, individual ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. You can even layer it in a casserole dish and add more cheese on top for a baked, crispy version. No matter how you plate it, this dish always steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it a fantastic next-day meal. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce and cheese.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you’d like to save portions for later. Cool completely first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry. Stir occasionally until heated through and cheesy goodness is restored. This is a quick way to enjoy a no-fuss meal anytime.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great if you prefer a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking steps for best results, and the turkey will absorb those taco spices beautifully.
What can I substitute if I don’t have taco seasoning?
If you don’t have a store-bought packet, you can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne. This way, you control the spice intensity and personalize the flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Spaghetti is ideal in this recipe because it cooks evenly underwater and holds the sauce nicely, but feel free to experiment with linguine, fettuccine, or even broken-up penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent mushiness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your taco seasoning packet and broth are also gluten-free labeled for a completely safe meal.
Can I add vegetables to the One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe?
Definitely! Throw in some bell peppers, corn, or black beans when you add the tomatoes and chilies for extra nutrition and flavor variety. They blend seamlessly into the dish without altering the cooking time much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a celebration in every spoonful, give this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe a try. It’s comfort food with a fun twist, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you taste that perfect harmony of taco spices gently hugging tender pasta and melted cheese, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
A flavorful and easy One-Pot Taco Spaghetti combining classic taco ingredients with hearty spaghetti, all cooked together for a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies, diced
Liquids and Pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the pot: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Cook the beef: Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain grease: Remove any excess grease from the pot to avoid excess fat in the dish.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring everything together evenly.
- Simmer and add pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the pot.
- Submerge spaghetti: Push the spaghetti down into the liquid, making sure it’s mostly submerged so it cooks properly.
- Cook pasta: Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Check doneness: Taste the spaghetti to ensure it’s tender; once done, remove the pot from heat.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti inside the pot.
- Melt cheese: Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese can melt thoroughly.
- Mix cheese in: Once melted, stir everything together to evenly distribute the cheesy goodness throughout the spaghetti.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the taco spaghetti hot in bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or extra green chilies.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water.
- Feel free to top with additional toppings such as sliced avocado, chopped green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
