One-Pot Taco Spaghetti: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

Welcome to the world of effortless, flavor-packed meals! Our One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a game-changer, bringing together the vibrant tastes of taco-seasoned beef with the comforting familiarity of saucy spaghetti, all in a single pot. This incredible recipe is not just easy to make, it’s also a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to a delicious, stress-free dinner solution.

Why This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Will Be Your Go-To Recipe

We believe that delicious meals shouldn’t require endless cleanup or complicated steps. Our Taco Spaghetti embodies simplicity without compromising on taste. Here’s why it stands out:

• One-Pot Wonder: The magic truly begins with just one pot. This means less time scrubbing dishes and more quality time enjoying your meal or relaxing. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
• Lightning Fast & Effortless: From prep to plate, this recipe is designed for speed. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, satisfying dinner ready. Perfect for those hectic days when hunger strikes but time is short.
• Infinitely Customizable: While we provide a fantastic base recipe, Taco Spaghetti is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to adjust the spice level, swap out vegetables, or add your favorite toppings to perfectly match your family’s preferences. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity in the kitchen!
• Unanimously Kid-Approved: Getting kids to eat can be a challenge, but this spaghetti twist is consistently a winner. The familiar comfort of spaghetti combined with exciting taco flavors makes it an instant hit, earning enthusiastic thumbs-up from even the pickiest eaters.
• Bursting with Bold Flavors: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor! The rich taco seasoning, combined with savory enchilada sauce, creates a deep, complex profile that coats every strand of spaghetti and every bite of beef. It’s a harmonious blend of Tex-Mex and Italian comfort food that’s utterly irresistible.

Essential Ingredients for Your Flavorful Taco Spaghetti

Crafting this incredible one-pot meal requires a handful of accessible ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Yellow Onion & Red Pepper: Finely diced, these aromatic vegetables form the flavor foundation of our dish. They add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful color contrast, softening as they cook and infusing the beef with their essence.
• Minced Garlic: A staple in most savory dishes, minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic punch. Using jarred minced garlic is a fantastic shortcut for quicker prep, saving you precious minutes without sacrificing flavor.
• Lean Ground Beef: We recommend a 93/7 lean ground beef ratio. This ensures delicious flavor without excessive grease, keeping your dish lighter and preventing a greasy texture. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a leaner alternative.
• Tomato Paste: Don’t skip this! Tomato paste is a flavor powerhouse. Just a couple of tablespoons deeply concentrate the tomato flavor, adding richness and umami to the sauce that can’t be replicated by fresh tomatoes alone.
• Taco Seasoning: This is where the “taco” in Taco Spaghetti truly comes alive. For the most vibrant and authentic flavor, we highly recommend making your own homemade taco seasoning (see our recipe notes for details). However, a high-quality store-bought packet offers superb convenience, making this dish even quicker.
• Beef Bouillon Powder: A secret weapon for adding incredible depth. Beef bouillon powder amplifies the savory notes of the ground beef and chicken broth, giving the entire dish a more robust and satisfying flavor profile.
• Diced or Crushed Tomatoes: A can of diced or crushed tomatoes forms the body of our rich sauce. Opting for fire-roasted varieties will lend a wonderful smoky undertone, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Enchilada Sauce: This is the backbone of our Mexican-inspired sauce. Choose a mild red enchilada sauce for a family-friendly flavor, or select a medium or hot variety if you prefer a spicier kick. The enchilada sauce contributes a unique, savory, and slightly tangy character that ties all the flavors together.
• Chicken Broth: Essential for cooking the spaghetti and creating the perfect saucy consistency. We suggest using low-sodium chicken broth, especially if you’re concerned about controlling the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to taste.
• Spaghetti: The star of our pasta component! Regular spaghetti works best here, providing the ideal texture to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Avoid thin or thick spaghetti, as they may cook differently or alter the dish’s consistency.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The final touch of creamy, tangy perfection. Freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and offers a superior taste compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Its sharp flavor perfectly complements the rich taco and enchilada notes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting the Perfect One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

Making this incredible Taco Spaghetti is simpler than you think. Follow these clear instructions to achieve a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

• Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
  Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the finely diced yellow onion and red pepper. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper starts to soften. Push the cooked vegetables to the edges of the pot, creating a clear space in the center.
• Step 2: Brown the Beef
  Place the lean ground beef in the center of the pot. Allow it to sear undisturbed for approximately 1 minute per side to develop a rich, brown crust. Then, using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef apart into crumbles as it continues to cook. Keep cooking until the beef is mostly browned, with just a little pink remaining. This helps lock in flavor before adding other ingredients.
• Step 3: Season and Mix
  Once the beef is mostly browned, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and the taco seasoning. At this point, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. A good starting point is 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust based on your preference and the saltiness of your taco seasoning packet. Continue to stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is fully browned and the seasonings are fragrant.
• Step 4: Build the Sauce
  Pour in the diced or crushed tomatoes, the enchilada sauce, and the chicken broth into the pot. Stir all the ingredients together, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits (which add extra flavor!). Bring the entire mixture to a full, rolling boil over high heat.
• Step 5: Add and Cook Spaghetti
  Break the spaghetti noodles in half to ensure they fit well in your pot and are easier to manage. Submerge the broken spaghetti into the boiling liquid, pushing it down with tongs or a spoon until all strands are covered. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir frequently, especially scraping the bottom of the pot, to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the pot. Around 8-10 minutes into cooking, if you notice the liquid evaporating too quickly and the pasta isn’t fully tender, reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Step 6: Achieve Al Dente Perfection & Melt Cheese
  Once the pasta is al dente (meaning it’s slightly firm to the bite but cooked through), remove the pot from the heat. The dish should still be quite saucy. Using tongs, toss the pasta continuously for about a minute; this helps the sauce thicken as the pasta absorbs the remaining liquid and cools slightly. Allow the mixture to cool for another minute or two. Then, gradually add the freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, tossing gently until each addition is fully melted and incorporated. This gradual addition prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy finish.
• Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
  Your delectable One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is now ready to be served! Dish it hot and garnish with your favorite toppings. Get ready to savor a truly satisfying and easy meal.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Taco Spaghetti

While One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with some fresh sides can elevate your dining experience and offer a well-rounded feast. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

• Crisp Mexican Salad: A vibrant Mexican salad, perhaps with corn, black beans, and avocado, tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread: Nothing beats soaking up extra sauce with a slice of warm French bread, garlic bread, or decadent cheesy pull-apart bread.
• Simple Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted vegetables like crisp broccoli, tender Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers make a healthy and delicious side. Their slight char adds another layer of flavor.
• Fresh Corn Dishes: Whether it’s classic corn on the cob or a refreshing corn salad featuring roasted kernels, a corn side dish offers a sweet counterpoint.
• Homemade Guacamole & Tortilla Chips: For an extra Tex-Mex touch, serve with a bowl of fresh guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for dipping or adding a textural element to your meal.
• Sweet Endings: Conclude your meal with a light and refreshing dessert like fruit salsa served with sweet cinnamon chips.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Taco Spaghetti

While One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is undeniably best enjoyed fresh, straight off the stove, you can certainly store leftovers to savor later. Proper storage ensures your delicious meal remains enjoyable.

Explore More One-Pot Wonders

Loved the convenience of this one-pot meal? Here are more fantastic one-pot recipes to simplify your cooking and expand your repertoire:

• One-Pot Penne Pasta with Sausage
• Simple One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
• Hearty One-Pot Chicken Orzo
• Classic One-Pot Spaghetti
• Comforting BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese

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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)

Taco Spaghetti

By Chelsea Lords

Taco Spaghetti is a one-pot wonder, combining taco-seasoned beef with saucy spaghetti. It’s a family favorite, packed with flavor!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Video Instructions

For a visual guide, video instructions are available to walk you through each step of this recipe.

Equipment

• Large pot (cast iron cooks quicker than nonstick)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion (finely diced, about 1 cup)
• 1 medium red pepper (finely diced, about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 ratio)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning (see Note 1 for homemade option)
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes; fire-roasted preferred)
• 10 ounces mild red enchilada sauce (see Note 2)
• 3 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed, low-sodium recommended)
• 12 ounces spaghetti (regular spaghetti, not the whole package, see Note 3)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup freshly shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (packed to measure)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the onion and pepper, cooking 3–5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Push veggies to edges of the pot.

2. Add beef in the center of the pot. Allow it to sear for about 1 minute per side, then break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue until beef is mostly browned with some pink remaining.

3. Mix in garlic, tomato paste, and taco seasoning. Season with salt and pepper; we recommend starting with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper (see Note 4 for adjustments). Stir and continue to cook until beef is fully browned through.

4. Add tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a full boil.

5. Break spaghetti in half and submerge it in the liquid. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent pasta sticking. About 8–10 minutes in, reduce heat to medium to avoid evaporating too much liquid before pasta is done (see Note 5 for troubleshooting).

6. Once pasta is al dente (slightly firmer than desired), remove the pot from heat. The dish should be quite saucy. Using tongs, toss the pasta for about a minute until the sauce thickens and pasta is perfectly tender. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then gradually add the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time, tossing until fully incorporated to avoid clumping.

7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Homemade Taco Seasoning

For the most intense flavor, make your own taco seasoning blend. Combine:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon each paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

Use this homemade seasoning in place of the 1-ounce taco seasoning packet.

Note 2: Enchilada Sauce Heat Level

Different brands of enchilada sauce can vary significantly in heat. For this recipe, we prefer Old El Paso mild red enchilada sauce to keep it family-friendly. Adjust according to your preference for spice.

Note 3: Spaghetti Quantity

The liquid measurements in this recipe are calibrated for 12 ounces of regular spaghetti. If possible, use a food scale to measure precisely. Using a different amount or type of spaghetti may require adjustments to the liquid.

Note 4: Seasoning Adjustment

If you’re using a store-bought taco seasoning packet, be aware that they are often saltier than homemade blends. Taste and adjust the added salt and pepper accordingly.

Note 5: Troubleshooting Pasta Consistency

• Sauce absorbed, pasta not tender? Lower the heat slightly and add an extra splash of chicken broth or water, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time, until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
• Sauce not thickening or absorbing? Increase the heat slightly to encourage faster evaporation of liquid. Continue stirring frequently.

Storage & Reheating: Taco Spaghetti is best enjoyed right off the stove! However, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stove and add a splash of broth or water to restore sauciness.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving

Calories: 735 kcal

Carbohydrates: 85.7g

Protein: 48.9g

Fat: 24.7g

Cholesterol: 104.3mg

Sodium: 2564.1mg

Fiber: 13.1g

Sugar: 15.9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

We hope this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti becomes a beloved staple in your home, bringing joy and ease to your dinner routine. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us how it turned out!

Enjoy this delicious and easy meal! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below to let us know what you think.