The Best One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe For Family Dinners

Taco spaghetti brings a zesty twist to your weeknight dinner routine that’ll make everyone cheer.

Crazy combinations often spark culinary magic in kitchens across America.

Pasta and Mexican flavors dance together in this simple, satisfying meal.

Quick preparation means you can whip up deliciousness without complicated steps.

Forget boring dinners and embrace this crowd-pleasing fusion that packs serious flavor punch.

Comfort meets excitement on a single plate, promising smiles around the table.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and creativity calls.

Why Taco Spaghetti Is Your Next Weeknight Win

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine taco and pasta flavors in one skillet, reducing kitchen cleanup and cooking steps.
• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Blend Mexican-inspired seasonings with classic spaghetti, creating a mouthwatering cross-cultural dish that satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Pack protein-rich ingredients and bold spices into a single pan, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Swap meat options, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to personalize the recipe according to family preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into This One-Pot Taco Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main protein foundation for the dish.
• Chicken: A lean protein option that adds texture and flavor variety.
• Chorizo: A spicy sausage that introduces bold, rich flavor notes.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Minced Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the base.
• Diced Onions: A foundational vegetable that provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and enhance overall taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: A tangy ingredient that adds moisture and brightness to the dish.
• Spaghetti Noodles: The primary pasta that serves as the main carbohydrate component.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that creates a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: A zesty herb that provides a fresh, bright garnish.
• Sliced Jalapeños: A spicy addition that adds heat and extra flavor.
• Black Olives: A salty, tangy garnish that provides additional texture.

• Sour Cream: A cool, creamy topping that balances the spicy elements.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté initial ingredients.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Seasonings for final flavor adjustment.

How to Make Easy Taco Spaghetti Step by Step

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in minced garlic and diced onions, letting them dance and release their fragrant essence until they turn soft and translucent.

Step 2: Brown the Protein Party

Add ground beef, chicken, and chorizo to the skillet. Cook the meats, breaking them down and stirring until they’re completely browned with zero pink remaining.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning generously over the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat every morsel, awakening the spices’ vibrant flavors.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. This liquid will become the magical bath for your pasta to simmer and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Pasta Plunge

Snap spaghetti noodles in half and drop them directly into the skillet. Make sure they’re fully submerged in the flavorful liquid.

Step 6: Simmer and Stir

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let everything bubble gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Step 7: Cheese Melt Magic

Once the pasta reaches al dente and most liquid has disappeared, remove from heat. Immediately stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy, dreamy coating.

Step 8: Garnish with Flair

Top with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and black olives. These add a burst of color and extra flavor excitement.

Step 9: Creamy Finish

Add a generous dollop of sour cream on top. Let it create a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy, bold flavors underneath.

Step 10: Final Flavor Boost

Taste and adjust with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Serve piping hot and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Flavorful One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

• Optimize Meat Mixture: Use a blend of ground beef, chicken, and chorizo for a complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the traditional taco spaghetti.
• Break Pasta Strategically: Snap spaghetti noodles in half before adding to the skillet to ensure even cooking and easier eating experience.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and guarantee uniform liquid absorption for perfect texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat before stirring in shredded cheddar to create a smooth, creamy consistency without overcooking the cheese.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Modify taco seasoning quantity or add fresh jalapeños to control heat intensity based on personal spice tolerance.

Taco Spaghetti Twists to Try

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace taco seasoning with chipotle powder and add roasted corn kernels for a smoky, vibrant southwestern kick.
• Vegetarian Fiesta: Swap ground meats with black beans and plant-based crumbles, using vegetable broth to maintain rich flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Crossover: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to transform the dish with Greek-inspired Mediterranean elements.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute ground meats with shrimp or crab meat, using seafood stock and adding red pepper flakes for oceanic zest.

Best Sides for Taco Spaghetti Nights

• Pair with Mexican Lager: Crisp and light beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cuts through the dish's rich, spicy flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Zesty Margarita: Tangy lime and tequila cocktail enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired profile, balancing the meaty, cheesy spaghetti with bright citrus notes.
• Match with Fresh Pico de Gallo Salad: Bright, acidic salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm one-pot meal.
• Serve with Crisp Cabernet Sauvignon: Medium-bodied red wine with hints of black pepper and dark fruit complements the robust meat and spicy seasonings, creating a sophisticated dining experience.

How to Store Leftover Taco Spaghetti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled taco spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly and evenly.

One-Pot Taco Spaghetti FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and optional jalapeños. You can control heat by choosing mild seasoning or reducing jalapeño quantity.

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while cooking and ensure pasta is fully submerged in liquid. Use a non-stick skillet and medium-low heat to avoid burning.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Select gluten-free spaghetti noodles and verify your taco seasoning is gluten-free to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diners.

One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy meets comfort in this irresistible one-pot taco spaghetti recipe that blends Mexican and Italian flavors into a single skillet masterpiece. Hearty ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese create a quick weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup diced chorizo

Pasta and Base:

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for topping)
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté minced garlic and diced onions until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add ground beef, chicken, and chorizo to the skillet, cooking until the meats are thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring to ensure even coating and releasing the spices’ robust flavors.
4. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, creating a rich liquid base for the pasta to absorb.
5. Break spaghetti noodles in half and add directly into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Once pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and immediately stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and integrated.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and black olives for added texture and zest.
9. Dollop sour cream on top and serve hot, allowing the creamy element to complement the spicy, savory flavors.
10. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with turkey, plant-based crumbles, or additional chorizo for diverse protein profiles.
• Choose gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles to transform this recipe into a low-carb or celiac-friendly meal.
• Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning quantity or selecting mild versus hot varieties to suit individual heat preferences.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing ingredients beforehand and storing in refrigerator for quick weeknight cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg