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

Easy One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe


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  • Author: Bitty
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6

Description

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!


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

  1. 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

  1. 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

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

Add the Spaghetti

  1. 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

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

Garnish and Serve

  1. 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.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 19 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian, Mexican