One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe: Quick Tex-Mex Dinner

Taco spaghetti combines the bold flavors of Tex‑Mex with classic pasta to create a family‑friendly one‑pot meal that both kids and adults will love.

We often rotate two dinners at our house: spaghetti and tacos. This taco spaghetti recipe merges the two, delivering a quick, zesty dinner with minimal cleanup since it cooks in one skillet.

Ingredients

Gather the following:

• Ground beef – Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
• Aromatics – Diced white onion and minced garlic.
• Tomatoes – A 14‑oz can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
• Broth – Chicken broth is preferred; vegetable or beef broth also work but will slightly change the flavor.
• Taco seasoning – One packet of your favorite blend.
• Canned diced green chiles – Drained.
• Pasta – Spaghetti works best, but any pasta can substitute.
• Cheese – Shredded cheddar for melting on top.
• Taco toppings – Use your favorite fixings for garnish.

How to Make

This is a true one‑pot recipe.

1. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking the beef apart, until no pink remains.
2. Drain off excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
3. Add the taco seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and drained green chiles. Stir to combine.
4. Add the spaghetti to the skillet, pressing it down so the strands sit under the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir once halfway through cooking and press the pasta back under the liquid before replacing the lid.
6. When the pasta is done, remove the lid, stir thoroughly, and simmer 1–2 minutes more so the sauce reduces slightly. Remove from heat.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the pasta, cover, and let rest 5 minutes so the cheese melts.
8. Serve warm topped with your preferred taco fixings.

Enjoy!

Topping Ideas

Anything you’d normally add to tacos works great here. Popular toppings include:

• Shredded lettuce
• Pico de gallo
• Sour cream
• Diced jalapeños
• Avocado slices

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks

• Kids enjoy this in taco shells, wrapped in burritos, or even used as a grilled cheese filling.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle con queso over the top before serving.
• If doubling the recipe, use a larger pot such as a Dutch oven and you may need to add a little more broth.
• To add more vegetables, stir in canned corn or black beans.

Recipe Card

Taco Spaghetti Recipe (One Pot Meal)

Taco spaghetti gives your family the best of both worlds by combining flavors from your Tex Mex favorites with pasta. Kids and adults alike will both go crazy for this zesty meal mash up!

Course: Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: American, Tex Mex

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 586 kcal

Author: Meaghan – The Quicker Kitchen

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 oz drained diced green chiles
• 8 oz spaghetti pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Favorite taco toppings, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and crumble the beef until no pink remains. Drain excess grease and return beef to the skillet.
2. Stir in taco seasoning, undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, and drained green chiles until well combined.
3. Add the spaghetti, pressing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring once halfway and pressing the pasta back into the liquid.
4. Remove the lid, stir thoroughly, and simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Remove from heat.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the pasta, cover, and let rest 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve with desired taco toppings.

Notes

• Serve in taco shells, burritos, or even inside grilled cheese for a fun variation.
• Try a drizzle of con queso for extra richness.
• Double the recipe for a crowd, using a larger pot and a little extra broth if needed.
• Add canned corn or black beans to boost vegetables and fiber.

Nutrition

Calories: 586 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Protein: 53 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sodium: 938 mg