One Pot Taco Spaghetti

Name: One Pot Taco Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 clove garlic, minced; ¼ cup finely diced onions; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning; 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with liquid); 2 cups water; 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Published: June 11, 2025

by Emilia

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

This One Pot Taco Spaghetti is a delightful blend of savory taco flavors and comforting pasta, all made in just one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers a satisfying meal that the entire family will love. With its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion from casual dinners to family gatherings.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash after enjoying your meal.
Flavorful Comfort: The combination of taco seasoning and melted cheese creates a deliciously comforting dish.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: A fun twist on spaghetti that kids are sure to enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this One Pot Taco Spaghetti, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook everything in one pot efficiently, ensuring even heat distribution.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet, helping to mix ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup finely diced onions
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with liquid)
2 cups water
8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

For Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make One Pot Taco Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, diced onions, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Seasoning

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid), along with the water and uncooked spaghetti. Bring this mixture to a boil while gently pushing down on the spaghetti so it is fully submerged.

Step 4: Simmer Until Cooked

Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures that the spaghetti cooks through evenly.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and cook for an additional minute to reduce any remaining liquid.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt for about 2-5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Enjoy your flavorful One Pot Taco Spaghetti!

How to Serve One Pot Taco Spaghetti

One Pot Taco Spaghetti is not only delicious but also versatile. You can elevate your meal by pairing it with various garnishes and sides that complement its bold flavors.

Garnish Ideas

Chopped Avocado – Creamy avocado adds a refreshing touch and balances the spices.
Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the heat of the taco seasoning.
Fresh Cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
Lime Wedges – Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze that brightens the dish.

Additional Toppings

Sliced Jalapeños – For those who enjoy extra heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños are a perfect addition.
Diced Tomatoes – Fresh diced tomatoes enhance texture and flavor with each bite.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful contrast and can be crumbled on top.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad – Pairing with a simple green salad can add fiber and freshness to your meal.
Over Rice – Serving over rice transforms this dish into a heartier option, perfect for filling appetites.

How to Perfect One Pot Taco Spaghetti

To ensure your One Pot Taco Spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Lean Ground Beef – Opting for lean meat reduces excess grease while maintaining flavor.
Stir Regularly – Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents the spaghetti from sticking together and helps it cook evenly.
Adjust Liquid as Needed – Depending on your pasta type, you might need slightly more or less liquid; adjust accordingly for desired consistency.
Experiment with Seasonings – Customize the flavor by adding additional spices like chili powder or cumin for extra depth.
Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Taco Spaghetti

Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Taco Spaghetti enhances the dining experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread – A classic choice that complements pasta perfectly, providing a crunchy texture.
Corn Salad – A vibrant corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory spaghetti.
Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans offer protein and richness to round out your meal.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crisp contrast to the warm pasta dish.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – This flavorful corn on the cob adds fun flair and delightful taste.
Grilled Veggies – Assorted grilled vegetables provide color and nutrients, enhancing your plate’s appeal.
Tortilla Wraps – Soft tortillas are perfect for scooping up spaghetti or wrapping leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Taco Spaghetti, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a less flavor-packed dish. Make sure to cook it until it’s well browned for the best taste.
Not stirring enough: If you don’t stir occasionally, the spaghetti might stick together or clump. Stirring helps ensure even cooking and prevents sticking.
Ignoring salt levels: Taco seasoning can be salty, so taste your dish before adding more salt. This way, you won’t end up with an overly salty meal.
Using too much liquid: Adding too much water can result in soupy spaghetti. Stick to the recipe’s recommended amount of water for a perfect consistency.
Overcrowding with toppings: While toppings like cheese and parsley are great, overloading them can mask the flavors of the dish. Use them sparingly for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One Pot Taco Spaghetti

Divide into portions and place in freezer-safe containers.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating One Pot Taco Spaghetti

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of water to help rehydrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making One Pot Taco Spaghetti.

Can I use other pasta types?

Yes, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s instructions.

How do I spice up my One Pot Taco Spaghetti?

To add more flavor, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. You can also incorporate corn or black beans for extra texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! One Pot Taco Spaghetti is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely throughout the week.

What if I have leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three days or frozen for two months. Just reheat as instructed above!

Final Thoughts

One Pot Taco Spaghetti is a delicious blend of taco flavors and comforting pasta, making it a family favorite. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or ingredients, ensuring everyone gets their perfect bowl. Give this quick and easy recipe a try—it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card