If your dream weeknight dinner is something easy, cheesy, and packed with all the taco flavor you crave, this One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly tender spaghetti noodles cooked right in a rich, Tex-Mex-style sauce with ground beef, taco seasoning, and melty cheddar—all in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want something comforting after a long day, this dish turns pantry staples into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like a celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is how fully it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something bold and satisfying. Each item plays a key role, bringing its own flavor, texture, or pop of color to the party.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef, infusing a subtle flavor right from the start.
- Ground beef: Provides the savory, hearty base that soaks up all those taco spices.
- Onion (diced): Softens into the sauce and builds a sweet flavor foundation.
- Garlic (minced): Brings irresistible aroma and depth to every bite.
- Taco seasoning: Delivers instant Tex-Mex flair—homemade or store-bought both work perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel): Lends a juicy, slightly spicy tang and plenty of flavor dimension.
- Beef broth: Simmered into the pasta, it infuses every noodle with savory goodness.
- Uncooked spaghetti: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Adds body and a luscious, saucy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the finished dish, making it creamy and decadent.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning to taste.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional): Deliver a fresh, colorful finish if you want that extra something on top.
How to Make One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. You want to get a nice golden brown on the meat for maximum flavor. Once it’s no longer pink, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing just until they’re soft and fragrant. Remember to drain any excess fat so your sauce stays silky and not greasy.
Step 2: Build Your Sauce
Stir in the taco seasoning for that signature Tex-Mex punch, then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the tomato sauce. Add your beef broth, mixing really well to combine everything. This saucy mixture is going to simmer into the spaghetti later, making each bite boldly flavored and deliciously saucy.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Simmer
Drop in the uncooked spaghetti—break the noodles in half if necessary so they fit in the pot—and gently press them down into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking and make sure it cooks evenly. The noodles absorb all the flavors as they become tender and the liquid mostly cooks off into a thick, rich sauce.
Step 4: Cheesy Finish
Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt right away, making everything irresistibly creamy and bound together. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell like pure comfort food bliss!
Step 5: Taste and Garnish
Season your One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or green onions for a bright finale, and serve hot. The vibrant green on top is not just for looks—it adds a fresh pop that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
How to Serve One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they truly take this dish to the next level! A shower of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions brings color and garden-fresh flavor. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of salsa, or some sliced jalapeños for extra zest and flair. It’s all about layering on those finishing touches that make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is hearty on its own, but pairing it with something on the side makes it feel like a well-rounded meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, a side of warm garlic bread, or even some sweet corn on the cob work beautifully. For a Tex-Mex twist, try a side of black beans or street-style roasted corn.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a fiesta with fun ways to serve! Spoon the spaghetti into colorful bowls and set up a mini topping bar with diced avocados, extra cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and hot sauce. For parties or potlucks, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins or pile it high on a big platter for a family-style presentation everyone can dig into together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra? Let your One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, and it reheats beautifully for easy lunches or another quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, you’re in luck. This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool fully, then scoop into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat your One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe, pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen them up, covering loosely so they don’t dry out. For bigger batches, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a bit more broth or tomato sauce as needed until everything’s creamy and hot again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can easily swap in penne or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cook time and adjust the amount of broth if needed—a touch more for thicker shapes, a bit less for thinner ones.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground or even cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rest of the One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe stays just as flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check that your taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. The recipe adapts beautifully without losing any of its Tex-Mex goodness.
What’s the best way to add heat?
For more spice, use a spicier taco seasoning, toss in extra jalapeños, or swap the diced tomatoes with chilies for a hot variety. You can also garnish each bowl with your favorite hot sauce to customize each serving.
Will kids enjoy this dish?
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a kid-friendly classic! It’s cheesy, comforting, and not too spicy, but you can always leave out the chilies or use mild taco seasoning to suit younger palates. Let kids help with toppings to make it extra fun for family dinner.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe packs bold flavor, easy prep, and cheesy comfort into one perfect pot. If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts fun and fuss-free, give it a try—you’ll want to make it week after week!
Print
One Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe is a convenient and flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti, infused with Tex-Mex flair. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Finishing Touches:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef in olive oil until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked spaghetti to the skillet. Simmer covered until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- Enhance with black beans, corn, or bell peppers.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter 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
