This One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe is the perfect solution for a busy night! It’s simple to make, easy clean up, full of flavor, and topped with tons of cheesy goodness. If you are looking for a way to add some variety to Taco Tuesday then this is the recipe for you!
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❤️ Why this recipe works
- The great thing about this recipe is that it only uses one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
- Also, the balance of flavors between the spaghetti, taco seasoning, and cheese makes this meal irresistibly delicious.
- You only need simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge, so no need to run out to the store.
- Plus, this recipe is easy to customize – you can add extra veggies, protein, hot sauce, and more!
Ingredients
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- ground beef
- small yellow onion, peeled and diced
- cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- taco seasoning or store-bought
- black pepper
- diced green chilies
- fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
- beef broth
- water
- dry spaghetti
- tomato paste
- salt
- cheddar cheese, shredded
- chopped cilantro or parsley, optional garnish
- Garnish with your favorite taco toppings
Equipment
- skillet with lid
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Knives
- Cutting Board
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- In a large skillet over medium heat add ground beef and onion and saute until meat is browned and onions are soft about 5 - 7 minutes. Drain off and discard excess grease from the pan.
- To the meat mixture stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and black pepper and let flavors blend by stirring occasionally for about 10 -15 seconds.
- Mix in green chilies, fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, and water to the meat mixture. Then add the spaghetti and tomato paste.
- Then add the spaghetti and tomato paste. Stir to combine ingredients. Raise the heat to medium-high and let the ingredients come to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover pot with lid, and let the ingredients simmer, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and meat is tender around 20-25 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning, if needed add salt.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the spaghetti. Serve in bowls with additional cheddar cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, optional.
How to store, reheat, and freeze
Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat - To reheat, add a few tablespoons of water or broth to the spaghetti and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Freeze - Let the cooked spaghetti cool completely before transferring it into an airtight freezer-safe container or bag and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
💭 Expert Tips
Expert Tip: I like to use freshly shredded cheese, for this Mexican spaghetti recipe because it melts the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can easily use ground turkey or ground chicken in this recipe instead of beef.
Yes, you can use any pasta shape. Thin spaghetti works best in this easy pasta dinner, but linguine, fettuccini, and even rigatoni or penne will work.
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
📖 Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways that you increase the flavor of this dish.
- For a different spicy flavor, use homemade Chili seasoning instead of taco seasoning.
- Add more vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to this hearty skillet.
- For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce, diced jalapeno, or red pepper chili flakes.
- You can also add refried beans, black beans, or kidney beans to this dish if you want to add some additional protein and fiber.
- Switch up the cheeses that you use for extra flavor. I like to use cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend, but you could also use Colby jack or pepper jack.
Serving Suggestions
Similar recipes
- Skillet ground beef tacos
- Zucchini Taco Boats
- Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
- Instant Pot Taco Spaghetti
- One Pot Chili Mac
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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One Pot Taco Spaghetti
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef and 1 small diced yellow onion until the meat is brown and no longer pink and the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard excess grease from the pan.
- To the meat mixture, stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and ¼ cup taco seasoning o blend flavors, about 20 seconds.
- Stir in 1( 4.5) ounce can, diced green chilies, 1(14.5) ounce can, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups beef broth, 2 cups water to the meat mixture.
- Mix in 12 ounces dry spaghetti and 1 tablespoon tomato pasteRaise the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover pot with lid, and let the ingredients simmer, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and meat is tender, around 20-25 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning, if needed, adjust seasoning.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and chopped cilantro or parsley Serve in bowls with additional cheddar cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro, optional.
- Serve in bowls with additional shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes (optional)
