If you love the bold flavors of taco night but crave a comforting pasta dish, you’re going to adore this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the perfect fusion of zesty taco seasonings with tender spaghetti, all cooked together in one pot for a hassle-free, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re rushing through a weeknight or want a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun as it is delicious, this dish hits all the right notes with its cheesy, spicy, and saucy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory ground beef and aromatic onions to the spicy Rotel and melty cheese, resulting in a vibrant dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the onions while adding a subtle richness.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a meaty base that’s full of flavor.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch that balances the spices.
- Taco seasoning packet: Delivers the classic zesty and spicy notes that make this dish so memorable.
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Brings juiciness and a lively kick of heat and freshness.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy foundation tying all flavors together.
- Water: Essential for cooking the pasta and melding the sauce evenly.
- Spaghetti, broken in half: Cooks perfectly in the flavorful liquid and keeps mealtime manageable.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and creaminess when melted in.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Provides a mild, buttery complement to cheddar for extra gooeyness.
- Salt and pepper: To finish seasoning according to your taste.
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional): Bring a fresh herbal touch and fiery heat as garnishes.
How to Make One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Start with a Flavor Base
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat. This step ensures you have a hot surface that will brown your ingredients perfectly and infuse your dish with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add the diced onion and ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and the onion softens. This balance of textures builds a savory foundation for your One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Be sure to drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Mix in Taco Seasoning and Sauces
Stir in the taco seasoning packet, undrained Rotel, tomato sauce, and water. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite will have that signature zing and cozy tomato richness that make this recipe shine.
Step 4: Add the Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pan. Press it down gently so the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. This allows the spaghetti to cook evenly and absorb all those incredible taco-inspired flavors as it softens.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check that the pasta is tender and the sauce has mostly thickened into a luscious consistency.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy. This cheesy finish is what turns the One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe from simple to spectacular — thick, gooey, and comforting all at once.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper according to your preference. Seasoning at this stage is key to balance out the robust flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve your taco spaghetti hot, topped with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like a bit of brightness and heat. These garnishes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making every mouthful exciting and satisfying.
How to Serve One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh herbal notes, while sliced jalapeños bring a fiery punch that complements the cheesy, savory pasta. Consider a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, tortilla chips for crunch, or a bowl of spicy black beans. These accompaniments refresh the palate and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your taco spaghetti in mini bell pepper bowls or layer it in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly on top. You can also sprinkle crushed tortilla chips for texture or add avocado slices to bring an extra layer of creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, simply let the One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. This dish freezes well and can be enjoyed up to 2 months later. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy sauce consistency. You can also microwave single portions, stirring midway to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat, and you’ll still get that flavorful taco pasta experience.
Is it okay to use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed because gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower depending on the brand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans like black or pinto beans, and use vegetable broth instead of water if you want even more flavor. The taco seasoning and cheese keep it rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends largely on the Rotel and any added jalapeño garnish. It’s generally mild to medium spice but you can easily dial it up or down by choosing milder or hotter ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, just use a larger pot or skillet to accommodate the extra ingredients. Cooking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta doneness as you simmer to ensure it cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors without the fuss. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with all the taco goodness you crave, wrapped up in a quick and easy meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to comfort food favorite!
Print
One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: One-Pot Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a quick and easy dinner combining the bold flavors of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with classic spaghetti. Ground beef is cooked with onions and taco seasoning before simmering together with broken spaghetti in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is finished with a creamy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, making it a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook beef and onion: Add diced onion and ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, undrained Rotel, tomato sauce, and water. Mix everything well to combine the flavors and create the base sauce.
- Add spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pan, pressing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. This ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
- Simmer pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in cheeses: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit in the pan and cook evenly.
- Use low heat to prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the pan during simmering.
- Draining the excess grease from cooked beef reduces excess fat in the final dish.
- Optional garnishes add freshness and heat but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
