If you are craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors yet requires minimal cleanup, you are going to fall in love with this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe. It perfectly combines the comforting texture of spaghetti with the vibrant, spicy flair of classic taco seasoning in one easy pot. This dish is not only a time-saver but also a family favorite that turns everyday ingredients into a satisfying, savory meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create this delicious dish. Each component plays an important role, from the ground beef that provides hearty protein, to the versatile spices that deliver that unmistakable taco flavor, all balanced beautifully with juicy tomatoes and creamy broth for richness and depth.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean for less fat but still plenty of flavor.
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste: Adds intense tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: The star spice blend bringing zesty, savory notes.
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed: Fresh garlic delivers aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Provides a subtle onion flavor without the extra chopping.
- 2 tsp cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, it enhances the taco profile.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Brings just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- ½ tsp garlic salt: Adds seasoning and a bit more garlic punch.
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained: Offers tangy brightness with a mild kick.
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes: Builds the saucy base with natural sweetness.
- 4 cups beef broth: Infuses the pasta as it cooks with rich, savory flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates a creamy texture that balances the spices.
- 12 oz thin spaghetti, uncooked: Absorbs all the delicious sauce while staying perfectly tender.
How to Make One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a Dutch oven or a large heavy pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. This step is crucial for building the base flavor. Once browned, drain the excess fat to avoid greasy sauce and keep things light.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Aromatics
Next, stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, crushed garlic, dried onion flakes, cumin, chili powder, and garlic salt. Let these cook together for a minute or two until fragrant. This allows the spices to toast slightly, unlocking more flavor and giving the dish its signature taco taste.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. This mix creates a vibrant, saucy foundation that will cook down and melt everything together. Give it a stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti and Simmer
Add the uncooked thin spaghetti straight into the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid as it simmers. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Stir in Heavy Cream
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream to add a creamy richness that tones down the spices slightly and makes the sauce silky smooth. Give everything one last gentle mix, then it’s ready to serve hot and delicious.
How to Serve One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Top your taco spaghetti with fresh, vibrant garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These finishing touches not only add layers of texture and flavor but also make the dish look irresistible and festive.
Side Dishes
This meal shines on its own, but if you want to add a side, consider serving with a crisp green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette or warm, buttery corn tortillas to keep the Tex-Mex vibe going strong. A simple side of roasted veggies would also complement the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transfer the One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe into individual oven-safe bowls, sprinkle with cheese, and broil briefly until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, serve it in tortilla bowls for a playful taco-meets-pasta fusion that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Taco Spaghetti stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it just as good—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy sauce consistency. You can also warm portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner substitute and still absorbs all the tasty taco spices nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Thin spaghetti is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce well, but you can experiment with linguine or angel hair if you prefer.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat level can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and using the canned tomatoes with green chiles accordingly. You can always add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While it’s designed for one-pot stovetop cooking to get the right pasta texture, you might slowly cook the beef and sauce base in a slow cooker, then add pre-cooked pasta at the end to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free. Once you try it, I have no doubt it will become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner recipe that combines the zest of taco seasoning with the comfort of spaghetti. This hearty dish features ground beef simmered with spices, tomatoes, and broth, then mixed with spaghetti all cooked together in a single Dutch oven, resulting in a delicious and convenient meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Spices & Seasonings
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic salt
Canned Goods & Liquids
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 12 oz thin spaghetti, uncooked
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, drain off excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy and to enhance flavor.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, crushed garlic cloves, dried minced onion flakes, cumin, chili powder, and garlic salt. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas and blend flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook Spaghetti: Break the uncooked thin spaghetti in half and add it directly into the Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Notes
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot taco seasoning according to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce liquid.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or omit it altogether.
