One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

The best part about this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is how effortlessly it comes together, saving you both time and cleanup. As you toss in the seasoned ground beef, the aroma of the taco spices instantly fills the room, making your stomach growl in anticipation. There’s something magical about the way those familiar taco seasonings—cumin, chili powder, garlic, and paprika—meld into the rich, savory sauce. The spaghetti noodles soak up all that flavor, turning into little bites of taco heaven. The beauty of one-pot cooking is that everything becomes infused with each other, so no bite is ever bland. As it simmers away, the sauce thickens, creating a velvety coating around the noodles that feels both comforting and bold.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can tweak the level of spiciness to your preference by adding a bit of jalapeño or chili flakes if you like a kick, or keep it mellow if you have little ones at the table. And, of course, it’s the toppings that really take this meal over the top. A sprinkle of shredded cheese that melts into the sauce, a handful of crisp lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa—each bite just gets better and better. It’s a meal that invites you to get creative, whether you’re adding fresh cilantro, guacamole, or even a squeeze of lime for that perfect pop of brightness.

Key Ingredients in One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

This dish relies on a handful of simple, yet flavorful ingredients to bring everything together into one delicious, hearty meal. Each component plays a role in making the sauce rich and the noodles perfectly coated, all while delivering that beloved taco flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti truly irresistible.

• Ground Beef
  The foundation of this dish, providing a rich, savory base. As it browns, it soaks up the taco seasoning, giving the sauce its meaty depth and hearty texture.
• Olive Oil
  A touch of olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic, setting the stage for the flavor-packed sauce. It adds a hint of richness without overpowering the dish.
• Onion (diced)
  A diced onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that mellows out the spices, enhancing the savory elements of the dish.
• Garlic (minced)
  Garlic is a must in any savory recipe—it adds that aromatic bite that pairs so well with the taco seasoning, infusing the dish with warmth.
• Taco Seasoning
  This is where the magic happens! The taco seasoning brings that classic taco flavor, with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. It’s the heart and soul of this dish.
• Diced Tomatoes
  These provide a juicy, tangy base for the sauce, adding a touch of acidity that helps balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Green Chilies (diced)
  Green chilies add a mild heat and a pop of flavor, bringing a bit of zing to the sauce without overwhelming the dish.
• Tomato Sauce
  This thick, smooth component helps bind everything together, creating a luscious sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly.
• Beef Broth
  The beef broth adds moisture and depth, ensuring the spaghetti cooks evenly in the pot while soaking up all those savory flavors.
• Spaghetti
  The star of the dish, spaghetti noodles soak up the seasoned sauce and absorb the taco flavors, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese is the final touch, melting into the hot sauce and adding a creamy, tangy richness that takes the flavor to the next level.
• Sour Cream
  A dollop of sour cream brings coolness and creaminess to balance out the heat from the taco seasoning and chilies. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this taco-inspired pasta.
• Chopped Cilantro
  Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and brightness, providing a nice contrast to the savory flavors and adding a pop of color to your plate.

How to Make One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

– Taco-Inspired Salad
Serve your One-Pot Taco Spaghetti alongside a crisp taco salad! Pile up some fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a few slices of avocado. Drizzle with a tangy lime dressing for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect way to balance out the warmth and savoriness of the spaghetti with something light and crunchy.

– Garlic Bread on the Side
If you’re craving a little extra indulgence, garlic bread is the way to go. The crispy, buttery slices provide the perfect vessel to scoop up any leftover sauce, and that garlicky crunch is the ultimate complement to the taco flavors. You might even find yourself dipping it right into the sour cream—trust me, it’s *so* good!

– Sliced Jalapeños and Lime Wedges
For those who like a little more heat, serve the dish with sliced jalapeños on the side. The bright, fresh spice will kick up the flavor, and a squeeze of lime adds the perfect zesty pop. These simple additions elevate the dish without overpowering it, giving every bite a little extra zing!

Each of these sides adds a different layer of texture and flavor, turning your One-Pot Taco Spaghetti into a full meal that everyone will love!

How to Store One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is often the case because this dish is just that good), storing One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a breeze. The key is making sure it stays as delicious as the first time you served it, so it’s always worth saving.

To keep things fresh, let the spaghetti cool down a bit before storing it. If you’ve got a bit of time, letting it rest on the counter for about 20 minutes helps prevent any excess moisture from collecting in the container. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep the flavors locked in and prevent the pasta from drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days, though I bet it won’t last that long!

Now, if you’re someone who loves to meal prep or wants to enjoy this dish later, you can freeze the leftovers too. Just make sure to portion out the spaghetti into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to bring it back to life.

And if you happen to have some leftover toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro, it’s best to store those separately in small containers. They’ll stay fresh and add that perfect finishing touch when you’re ready to serve up your taco spaghetti again.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite weeknight dinner, the One-Pot Taco Spaghetti! It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is bold, with every bite packed full of those irresistible taco flavors we all love. The best part? It comes together so effortlessly, and the cleanup is a breeze, leaving you with more time to relax or enjoy your evening. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

I’d love to hear what you think if you try it out—did you spice it up with some jalapeños? Or maybe you added a creative topping of your own? Drop a comment below, and feel free to ask any questions or share your feedback! I’m always here to help you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, friends!

Print Recipe

One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a flavor-packed fusion of zesty taco seasoning and comforting pasta, all simmered together in one pot for easy cleanup. Rich, savory, and slightly spicy, it's a crave-worthy twist on classic spaghetti with a Tex-Mex kick!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies, diced

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

• 2 cups beef broth

• 8 ounces spaghetti

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup sour cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Remove any excess grease from the pot.
4. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
7. Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked spaghetti.
9. Push the spaghetti down into the liquid, making sure it's mostly submerged.
10. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
11. Check the spaghetti for doneness; if it's tender, remove the pot from heat.
12. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
13. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
14. Once the cheese is melted, stir everything together to evenly distribute the cheese.
15. Serve the taco spaghetti in bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Note

• Make sure to stir the spaghetti occasionally to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
• For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten up the dish.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, add more beef broth or tomato sauce to your liking.
• Top with additional toppings like jalapenos, olives, or avocado for extra flavor.

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