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Close-up of a skillet filled with cheesy taco spaghetti, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Easy One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

Bitty
Taco Spaghetti is a cheesy, hearty fusion of Mexican spices and classic Italian pasta, all cooked in one pot for the ultimate easy dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
  • 1 lb Ground Beef See Variations for alternatives like ground turkey
  • 1 Medium Onion chopped
  • 2-3 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Packet 1 oz Taco Seasoning (or 2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 Can 10-oz Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel® Tomatoes) - Choose mild, original, or hot based on your preference!
  • 04 Cups Beef Broth or water, or a mix - Low sodium recommended to control saltiness.
  • 8 oz Spaghetti broken in half (helps fit in the pan)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream OR 4 oz Velveeta Cheese cubed (Optional, for creamy taco spaghetti)
  • 1 - 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese or a Mexican blend
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, extra shredded cheese.

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef

  • In a large-skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground-beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon-as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté the Veggies

  • Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook-until the vegetables are softened, about 3–4 minutes.
    A stainless steel pan containing cooked spaghetti topped with browned ground beef, the beginnings of taco spaghetti.

Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

  • Stir in the taco seasoning, diced-tomatoes with green-chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix everything well.

Add the Spaghetti

  • Break the spaghetti in half and add it directly into the pot. Push the noodles down into the liquid as much as possible. Bring to a boil, then reduce-heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring-occasionally to prevent sticking.
    A stainless steel pan with distinct sections of cooked spaghetti, browned ground beef, chopped tomatoes and onions, and fresh cilantro, preparing for taco spaghetti.

Add the Cheese

  • Once the spaghetti is tender and most-of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.

Garnish and Serve

  • Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or extra cheese. Serve-immediately and enjoy the fusion of flavors!
    A wooden spoon lifting a portion of cheesy taco spaghetti from a skillet.

Notes

- Swap beef with turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Stir in sour cream for a creamier version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keyword cheesy taco spaghetti, easy taco dinner, one pot taco spaghetti, taco spaghetti