Ever wondered if you could combine your family’s two favorite dinner options into one incredible meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make? What if I told you that taco night and pasta night could become the same delicious evening?
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It brings together the zesty flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta, all in a single pot that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing fusion dish that’s about to become your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (chicken broth works too)
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken into thirds
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges
The beauty of Taco Spaghetti is its flexibility. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. No beef? Use chicken or make it vegetarian with extra beans and vegetables. The cheese can be cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any melty variety you prefer.
Timing
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti comes together in half the time of traditional spaghetti and meat sauce, which typically takes about an hour. The one-pot approach saves approximately 15 minutes of cleanup time compared to recipes that require separate pots for pasta and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the meat and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter quickly.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors. This quick step makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor in the final dish.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Liquids
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. The liquid will form the base for cooking the pasta and creating a rich sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the broken spaghetti to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Add Beans and Corn
Stir in the drained black beans and corn kernels. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through. These additions bring texture, color, and nutritional value to the dish while enhancing its taco-inspired profile.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover the pot again. Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking the pasta.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti provides approximately 25% of your daily protein needs and 24% of your daily fiber intake. The combination of meat and beans creates a complete protein profile, while the tomatoes contribute significant amounts of vitamins A and C.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, consider these modifications:
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to reduce saturated fat by approximately 30%
- Use whole wheat spaghetti to increase fiber content by 5-7 grams per serving
- Opt for low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to reduce sodium content by up to 40%
- Increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach
- Use reduced-fat cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative
- Replace half the pasta with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb version
Serving Suggestions
Transform your One Pot Taco Spaghetti into a complete meal with these serving ideas:
- Create a DIY topping bar with diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream
- Serve with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
- Pair with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for scooping
- Add a dollop of guacamole or a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo for an authentic taco experience
- For entertaining, serve in individual bowls with a lime wedge garnish and a sprinkle of extra cheese
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Check it 1-2 minutes before the suggested cooking time. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
- Not breaking the spaghetti: Breaking it into smaller pieces ensures even cooking and easier eating. Unbroken strands can be difficult to stir and serve.
- Adding too little liquid: The pasta needs sufficient liquid to cook properly. If the mixture looks too dry during cooking, add ¼ cup more broth.
- Forgetting to stir: Regular stirring prevents sticking and burning, especially important in one-pot recipes where ingredients cook together.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking helps the sauce thicken and flavors to meld together.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This dish makes excellent leftovers with proper storage:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to prevent dryness. Heat on 70% power, stirring halfway through.
- Meal prep: Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to cook, reheat the mixture, add the liquid and pasta, and continue with the recipe.
Conclusion
This One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe brilliantly combines two family favorites into a single, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors, customizable ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Have you tried this fusion dish yet? I’d love to hear how you personalized it with your favorite taco toppings! Leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative twists you added to make it your own. And don’t forget to check out our other easy weeknight dinner recipes that will save you time without sacrificing flavor!
