One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Quick and Delicious Recipe

Looking for a hassle-free dinner that’s bound to be a hit with your family? Look no further than this Easy One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe! This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chaotic week when I needed to use up some ground beef but had no energy for elaborate cooking. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, I created a dish that instantly became a family favorite. The combination of savory taco flavors and comforting spaghetti in one pot is pure magic.

Whether you’re cooking for your own family or entertaining guests, this Easy One Pot Taco Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, with its quick preparation and easy cleanup, it’s a go-to recipe that will save the day when you’re short on time but still craving a hearty and satisfying meal. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner option
• Customizable with various toppings for individual preferences
• Great for meal prep – reheats beautifully and freezes well
• Offers a balanced meal with added nutrition from black beans or corn

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Quick and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
• Customizable: Set up a topping bar with various options like avocado, black olives, cilantro, and sour cream for a fun and personalized meal.
• Meal prep friendly: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable by adding beans, corn, or switching up the cheese for different variations.
• Comforting and flavorful: The combination of familiar taco flavors and creamy pasta makes it a comforting and delicious dish.
• Minimal cleanup: Cooked in one pot, so you’ll have fewer dishes to wash after enjoying a tasty meal.
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters will love this dish, as proven by the 7-year-old who asked for seconds and wanted to make it again.

Ingredients for One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Quick and Delicious Recipe

For the Taco Spaghetti

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/3 fat recommended)
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, not drained
• 2 1/4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 oz packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Salsa

How to Make One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Quick and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Cheese

Shred the cheddar cheese using a box grater if using a block, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain off excess grease.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Place the pot back on the heat and mix in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles until well combined.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquid

Place the spaghetti noodles in the pot and cover them with water or beef broth. Gently press the noodles down into the liquid using a spoon.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer over low-medium heat for 7-12 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking until the liquid has reduced and the pasta is cooked.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Optionally, set aside some shredded cheese for topping.

Step 7: Serve

Take off the heat and garnish with extra toppings, if preferred.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your delicious one pot taco spaghetti, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain flavor and texture. You can store the finished dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb liquid over time. This will help revive the creaminess of the dish when heating it back up.

If you have more leftovers than you can consume in a few days, you can freeze individual portions of the taco spaghetti for later enjoyment. Simply portion out the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. The frozen one pot taco spaghetti can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to maintain the desired consistency. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures you have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier twist, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken as a lean alternative to ground beef. If you prefer a meatless option, consider using crumbled tofu, lentils, or a plant-based ground beef substitute in place of the meat. To enhance the dish’s flavor profile, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack or a Mexican blend for a more robust taste.

If you’re looking to add more veggies to the dish, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini along with the tomatoes. Adding a can of black beans or corn will not only provide extra texture but also boost the dish’s nutritional value. Additionally, you can customize the toppings to suit your preferences by including ingredients like diced avocado, sliced black olives, or chopped cilantro for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive dinner experience, set up a taco spaghetti bar with various toppings like diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and sour cream. Let everyone customize their bowls to their liking, adding an extra element of fun and creativity to the meal. Serve the taco spaghetti in wide, shallow bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips for added texture and crunch.

To add more depth and flavor to the dish, consider mixing in a cup of black beans or corn while adding the diced tomatoes. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to elevate the heat level. Alternatively, for a vegetarian-friendly version, use a plant-based ground beef substitute or an additional can of beans instead of the lean ground beef. These variations will cater to different taste preferences while keeping the dish exciting and versatile.

FAQs for One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Quick and Delicious Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that ground turkey tends to be leaner than ground beef, so you may need to add a little extra oil or broth to prevent the dish from becoming too dry.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by using a plant-based ground beef substitute or adding an extra can of beans in place of the meat. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetarian protein options.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the spiciness of this dish by using a milder or spicier taco seasoning, or by adding extra diced green chiles or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, look no further than this Easy One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe. The simplicity of this dish belies its incredible flavor and versatility, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser. The blend of savory taco seasoning, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is a winning combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Don’t hesitate to make this Easy One Pot Taco Spaghetti your own by adding your favorite toppings or experimenting with different variations. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting friends for dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a surefire way to bring smiles to the table. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this one pot wonder!

One Pot Taco Spaghetti: Quick and Delicious Recipe

“An easy one-pot taco spaghetti that’s quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineAmerican-Mexican Fusion

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Taco Spaghetti

• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/3 fat recommended)
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, not drained
• 2 1/4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 oz packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Chopped parsley or green onions
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Prepare Cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese using a box grater if using a block, then set aside.
2. Cook Ground Beef: 1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat until cooked through. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add Seasonings: Place the pot back on the heat and mix in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles until well combined.
4. Add Pasta and Liquid: Place the spaghetti noodles in the pot and cover them with water or beef broth. Gently press the noodles down into the liquid using a spoon.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer over low-medium heat for 7-12 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking until the liquid has reduced and the pasta is cooked.
6. Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Optionally, set aside some shredded cheese for topping.
7. Serve: Take off the heat and garnish with extra toppings, if preferred.