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