One Pot Taco Spaghetti

$- Spaghetti and Protein Options - 8 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) - Vegetables and Spices - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - Broth and Cheese - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Garnishes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish) Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role. The spaghetti acts as the base, soaking up all the tasty flavors. The ground beef or turkey adds protein and richness. The diced onion and garlic bring a savory depth. Taco seasoning gives the dish its signature kick. Black beans and corn add texture and heartiness. Tomatoes with chilies bring a slight heat and acidity. The broth helps cook the spaghetti and keeps everything moist. Finally, the cheese melts into a creamy topping. You can adjust the garnishes to fit your taste. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, while jalapeños can spice things up! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces. Cook until the meat is brown and fully cooked. This step gives your dish a rich flavor base. Next, add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the pot. Cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to look clear. Then, stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Mix it well with the meat and onion. Let it cook for a minute to bring out the flavors. Now it’s time to add more ingredients. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 can of rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of corn. Stir everything together. Then, add 8 ounces of spaghetti and 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth. Make sure the spaghetti is under the liquid. Bring this mix to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally. Check if the spaghetti is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If there’s extra liquid, leave the lid off and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover it for a few minutes to let the cheese melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, adding fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if you like. Cooking one pot meals like this taco spaghetti saves time and effort. Start with a large pot. Use a pot that holds heat well. This helps cook the food evenly. Always brown the meat first. This adds great flavor. After that, add your veggies. This will make them tender and sweet. Stir often to prevent anything from sticking. To avoid overcooking spaghetti, watch it closely. Add the spaghetti only after you combine the other ingredients. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a rolling boil. Then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer. Check the spaghetti after 12 minutes. It should be al dente, which means firm to the bite. If it needs more time, stir and taste often. To boost flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and onion add depth. You can also add extra spices. A pinch of cumin or chili powder can elevate the taste. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños. For a fresh finish, sprinkle cilantro on top. You can even mix in lime juice. A squeeze can brighten the whole dish. Enjoy exploring these fun flavor options! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your dish. Consider using fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes for the best taste. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add fresh jalapeños to cater to your heat preference. This dish can easily be made mild or spicy! Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist that complements the taco theme. Meal Prepping: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store servings in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week. {{image_2}} You can easily make One Pot Taco Spaghetti vegetarian or vegan. Swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based meat. You can also use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. For a vegan option, choose vegetable broth and skip the cheese. You can add more beans or veggies for extra flavor and nutrients. To change the spice level, adjust the taco seasoning. Use a mild blend if you prefer less heat. For more spice, add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. While cheddar cheese is great, feel free to mix it up. Monterey Jack adds a creamy texture. Pepper Jack gives a nice kick too. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese that melts well. You can also try crumbled queso fresco for a fresh taste. Experiment to find your favorite cheese! To store leftovers of One Pot Taco Spaghetti, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid seals well to keep it fresh. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. If using a microwave, place the spaghetti in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a pan, add a bit of broth to the pot. Heat over low heat until warm, stirring often. You can freeze One Pot Taco Spaghetti for future meals. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures a tasty meal. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Penne or fusilli works well too. Just adjust the cooking time. Check the package for the right cook time. The key is to keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness. Absolutely! You can make One Pot Taco Spaghetti ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This dish pairs well with a simple salad. Try a mix of greens, tomatoes, and avocado. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or garlic bread for crunch. A side of sour cream or guacamole adds a nice touch. Add more taco seasoning for heat. You can also toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For extra flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top right before serving. Adjust to your spice level! You learned about the key ingredients for One Pot Taco Spaghetti and how to prepare it. We discussed cooking methods and tips for the best results. You can customize with vegetarian choices, spice levels, and cheese types. It’s easy to store, reheat, and freeze leftovers. Remember, the best meals bring flavors together in one pot. Try this recipe for a quick, tasty dish everyone will love. Enjoy creating your one pot wonder!$

A delicious and easy one-pot meal combining spaghetti with taco flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
14 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro
optional sliced jalapeños

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well with the meat and onions. Let it cook for a minute to enhance the flavors.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, and corn, stirring to combine.
Add the spaghetti and broth to the pot. Make sure the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
If there is any excess liquid, remove the lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or fewer jalapeños.

Keyword easy meal, one pot, spaghetti, taco