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    Home » Recipes

    May 31, 2022 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Carita · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

    The Best One Pot Taco Spaghetti

    Taco Tuesday went up a few notches with this hearty one pot dish! Learn how to make The Best One Pot Taco Spaghetti filled with ingredients similar to traditional but with a spicy, flavorful Tex-Mex flare. Ready in under thirty minutes, this casserole is perfect for the weeknight and requires minimal clean up.

    Looking for more Mexican inspired recipes? Try Pollo Asado Marinade Recipe, Corn Ribs Elotes Style or Mexican Nacho Board!

    This one pot taco spaghetti recipe is so easy to prepare and does not skip out on flavor. This dish provides all the flavors of traditional Tex-Mex style American tacos but made like traditional, American spaghetti. Again, packed with flavor mixed with the best of both worlds.

    One pot taco spaghetti finished after noodles are cooked. In a large aluminum pan, cooked noodles, ground beef and tomatoes are simmering.
    Mexican Taco Spaghetti

    WHAT IS TACO SPAGHETTI?

    To explain, this recipe is prepared similarly to that of traditional American style spaghetti. That is to say, the ground beef is browned with onion, canned tomatoes and tomato paste added, seasonings, dried and fresh herbs and noodles. This casserole rings true to recipes defined as one pot, all ingredients in general are prepared in one, single pot!

    To explain, there are additional ingredients added to give it a Mexican flare or flavor, but the base is almost identical! Prepare your tastebuds for the texture of spaghetti but flavors of a tasty ground beef taco!

    One pot taco spaghetti finished recipe in a metal pan with melted cheese, sour cream garnished with chopped cilantro.
    Taco Spaghetti Garnished

    TACO SPAGHETTI SAUCE

    In this case, the sauce is certainly the star of this show, matter of fact, this taco spaghetti is to die for! Unlike store bought spaghetti sauce, this sauce is built right into the one pot that the entire recipe is made from.

    With just a few ingredients such as tomato paste, dried oregano, fresh cilantro, canned diced tomatoes and with green chilies, this Mexican spaghetti sauce is robust in flavor and really pleasing in texture! This easy taco pasta is certainly going to become a staple in your home.

    INGREDIENTS NEEDED

    1. Ground Beef- Ground beef, chicken or turkey will work. If using beef, use at least an 80/20 fat ratio.
    2. Onion-Yellow onions works best for this recipe. The sweetness pairs well with the additional ingredients.
    3. Taco Seasoning-The usual prepackaged stuff works perfectly.
    4. Harissa Powder-This seasoning is certainly optional but really adds deeper flavor and extra spice.
    5. Garlic Powder- I used a garlic and parsley blend that can be found here.
    6. Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies - Rotel is my favorite brand, the medium or hot versions.
    One pot taco spaghetti ingredients flat lay for additional ingredients. Packaged ground beef, beef stock in a measuring glass, roma tomato, two bowls with cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, Mexican sour cream and noodles.
    One Pot Taco Spaghetti Ingredients
    1. Canned Diced Tomatoes-More of the Italian style for extra texture.
    2. Tomato Paste- This will help to thicken the sauce similar to traditional American marinara sauce.
    3. Noodles- Spaghetti or any "long" type pasta works great. Click here to purchase the noodles as seen in this blog post.
    4. Beef Stock- Will allow the noodles to boil in the meat sauce. You can use water, but beef stock or broth will help to develop more flavors.
    5. Cheddar Cheese
    6. Queso or Monterrey Jack Cheese
    7. Cilantro
    8. Sour Cream
    One pot taco spaghetti ingredients in a flat lay. Bowls filled with canned and diced tomatoes, seasonings, tomato paste, and herbs. A small yellow onion is also added.
    One Pot Taco Spaghetti Ingredients

    WHAT TYPE OF SPAGHETTI WORKS BEST?

    It is important to note, all noodles are not created equally. That is to say, depending on the type of pasta used, the cooking time will vary. I tested this recipe using traditional spaghetti noodles and the noodles used in the images and video shared in this post.

    It is best to use spaghetti style noodles with this recipe then again, any noodle will work, the cooking times will vary. To be sure the noodles cook appropriately, simply follow the package instructions for best results.

    HOW TO PREPARE

    Prepare Taco Spaghetti Sauce

    First, in a large (and deep) skillet or sauce/stock pot brown the ground beef. Add salt and pepper to taste and begin breaking the ground beef down into small crumbles.

    Taco spaghetti process shots with six images in a collage. Images begin with just ground beef and onion, tomatoes, pasta, stock, noodles and toppings are added to show cooking progression of recipe.
    One Pot Taco Process Shots

    Next, add the chopped onion and cook and stir until ground beef is cooked through and onions are translucent. Now, drain any excess fat if necessary and immediately return back to the pan. Then, add the tomato paste, seasonings and stir allowing the paste to soften and combined with the beef.

    Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and stir one final time.

    Add Final Ingredients and Cook

    At this instant, the meat sauce is prepared! Next, add desired noodles on top of the taco meat sauce. Then, pour the beef stock (or water) directly over the noodles. As mentioned, pour enough liquid to cover the noodles. As a matter of fact, gently pat the noodles if needed to submerge the noodles into the liquid.

    Now, cover the pan or pot and simmer the one pot taco spaghetti for at least twenty minutes or until noodles are cooked through and fork tender.

    Taco spaghetti in a aluminum pan drizzled with sour cream, melted cheese and cilantro. White and black towel added for styling purposes.
    Taco Spaghetti Final

    WHEN IS SPAGHETTI READY?

    This step is most important when preparing the one pot taco spaghetti. To explain, there are a few tips to ensure the noodles cook evenly and all-the-way-through.

    1. Depending on the noodles used, make certain the noodles can fit into the pot. That is to say, break the noodles in half if needed.
    2. Using the beef stock (or water) is key to providing the noodles the necessary liquid to cook.
    3. Make certain when pouring the initial liquid that the noodles are submerged completely in the liquid of your choice.
    4. As the noodles cook in the taco spaghetti sauce, add more liquid if it begins to cook out.

    HOW TO SERVE

    After the noodles have cooked through and fork tender, it is time for the final steps of this delicious recipe. It is ok to turn the heat to low (or off) because it is just about time to serve.

    Sprinkle the assorted cheese on top of the taco spaghetti, cover and allow the cheese to melt. After the cheese has melted, garnish with sour cream if desired and roughly chopped cilantro.

    Serve immediately and with a quick side salad and enjoy!

    One pot taco spaghetti served in a metal cooking pan. A wooden flat spoon is scooping the pasta to show a closer view of the recipe. The pasta dish is garnished with sour cream drizzle, cilantro and diced tomatoes.
    One Pot Taco Spaghetti Scooped

    HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

    While I'm certain there will be minimal leftovers, this casserole certainly tastes better with time! With that said, simply store the one pot taco spaghetti leftovers in an airtight container. The recipe can last up to 4-5 days when stored in the refrigerator.

    If preparing this recipe for weekly meal prep, it is best to allow the casserole to completely cool before storing in the refrigerator.

    HOW TO FREEZE LEFTOVERS

    To properly freeze one pot taco spaghetti, there are two variations that will work. To explain, this meal should freeze ok and can last in the freezer for up to three months.

    1. Freeze the sauce. And prepare the noodles when you're ready to serve by following the same steps as if you're making the recipe in real time. Add taco meat sauce to the pot, dump the noodles, pour in the beef stock (or water) and simmer until noodles are cooked through!
    2. Prepare entire recipe. Follow recipe instructions as is and store in an airtight/freezer safe bag or container. This option could possibly result in mushier noodles when reheated. Prepare the noodles al dente and reheat in a pot adding beef stock (or water) to allow the noodles to cook until tender.
    One pot taco spaghetti top down view with sour cream drizzle, melted cheese and chopped cilantro.
    Taco Spaghetti
    Mexican taco spaghetti served in a metal cooking pan zoomed in. A wooden flat spoon is scooping the pasta to show a closer view of the recipe. The pasta dish is garnished with sour cream drizzle, cilantro and diced tomatoes.

    The Best One Pot Taco Spaghetti

    Carita
    Taco Tuesday went up a few notches with this hearty one pot dish! Learn how to make The Best One Pot Taco Spaghetti filled with ingredients similar to traditional but with a spicy, flavorful Tex-Mex flare. Ready in under thirty minutes, this casserole is perfect for the weeknight and requires minimal clean up.
    4.92 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American, Italian, Mexican
    Servings 6 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb Gound Beef
    • 1 small Onion about 1 cup
    • 1.5 oz Taco Seasoning
    • 2 teaspoon Harissa Seasoning
    • 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • 20 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
    • 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
    • 8 oz Spaghetti Noodles
    • 2 cups Beef Stock more if needed

    Toppings

    • ½ cup Queso or Monterrey Jack Cheese
    • ½ cup Cheddar
    • ¼ cup Cilantro
    • 1-2 tablespoon Sour Cream

    Instructions
     

    • In a large (and deep) skillet or sauce/stock pot brown the ground beef.
    • Add salt and pepper to taste and begin breaking the ground beef down into small crumbles.
    • Add the chopped onion and cook and stir until ground beef is cooked through and onions are translucent.
    • Drain any excess fat if necessary and immediately return back to the pan.
    • Add the tomato paste, seasonings and stir allowing the paste to soften and combined with the beef.
    • Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and stir one final time.
    • Add desired noodles on top of the taco meat sauce. Then, pour the beef stock (or water) directly over the noodles.
    • Pour enough liquid to cover the noodles. Gently pat the noodles if needed to submerge the noodles into the liquid.
    • Now, cover the pan or pot and simmer the one pot taco spaghetti for at least twenty minutes or until noodles are cooked through and fork tender.
    • After the noodles have cooked through and fork tender, it is time for the final steps of this delicious recipe.
    • It is ok to turn the heat to low (or off) because it is just about time to serve.
    • Sprinkle the assorted cheese on top of the taco spaghetti, cover and allow the cheese to melt.
    • After the cheese has melted, garnish with sour cream if desired and roughly chopped cilantro.
    • Serve immediately and with a quick side salad and enjoy!
    Keyword 20 minute meals, 30 Minute Dinner, Mexican Spaghetti, One Pot Taco Spaghetti, Taco Spaghetti

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Wilma says

      May 31, 2022 at 8:44 pm

      5 stars
      I made this using your recipe and it was “Rosie for” good! I couldn’t find your noodle but I used what I had! Can’t wait until I cook this again!! This is a fantastic recipe! Easy. Tasty. And. Doggone good.

      Reply
    2. Wilma says

      June 02, 2022 at 2:23 am

      5 stars
      I Will remember the next time I prepare this recipe to freeze the leftovers. Thank you

      Reply
    3. Kelvin says

      June 29, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      4 stars
      This is what I would call a spaghetti bolognese taco and its absolutely delicious 😋.
      I enjoyed this Recipe.

      Reply
    4. Kate says

      June 30, 2022 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      I made this one pot taco spaghetti and it was a big hit! I also love it that it can be made ahead, as this makes it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

      Reply
    5. Marta says

      June 30, 2022 at 3:39 pm

      5 stars
      I'm so glad I had the harissa to make this taco spaghetti. It added so much warmth to the recipe. I'm all about a one-pot meal and this one did not disappoint!

      Reply
    6. Robin Sparks says

      July 03, 2022 at 5:03 am

      5 stars
      I could have eaten this whole pot alone but I thought I'd better share with my family. Simply amazing!

      Reply
    7. Taneisha says

      July 06, 2022 at 1:14 am

      5 stars
      I saw one pot and the picture and immediately knew this was a recipe I absolutely NEEDED to try. I loved the Tex-Mex flavour this dish has as well as how simple and easy it is to bring together - perfect for busy weeknights and the minimal cleanup is an added bonus!!

      Reply
    8. Kaluhi says

      July 06, 2022 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      This was super indulgent and super duper delicious to have too! I enjoyed every single bite and I will definitely ne making it again and again!

      Reply
    9. Tamara says

      July 06, 2022 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is my absolute favorite meal to make during the week! It is packed full of flavor, but quick and easy to put together. It’s definitely on rotation over here!

      Reply
    10. Britney Brown-Chamberlain says

      July 06, 2022 at 11:05 pm

      5 stars
      These noodles were so saucy and flavorful and had a nice kick of spice from the harissa seasoning. I LOVED it and can't wait to make this again!

      Reply
    11. Cheryl says

      July 07, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good pasta dish, especially one that only requires one pan. Your recipe is so delicious and I love that you did not hold back on the spices and seasonings.

      Reply
    12. Jazz says

      July 07, 2022 at 11:00 pm

      5 stars
      Your recipe caught my eye because it's one pot and I love easy cleanup but the flavor really got me. The whole family loved the pasta and I already added the ingredients to next week's shopping list so I can make it again. Win win!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Carita a true southern girl at heart. My love for cooking started as a child watching my grandmothers cook with such ease in the kitchen. Creating delicious meals doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. I have taken all that I've learned and work to develop simplified versions of staple recipes for you to share with family and friends!

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