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Everyday Kitchen Ideas
Dinner

One-Pot Taco Spaghetti with Ground Beef

Try Taco Spaghetti for a delicious fusion of flavors. One pot, taco-seasoned beef, and melted cheese make it irresistible!

Preparation
10 minutes
Cooking
25 minutes
Total
35 minutes
One-pot taco spaghetti with ground beef, tomatoes, melted cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeño in a black bowl.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • ground beef — 1 pound
  • small yellow onion, diced — 1 (about 1 cup)
  • minced garlic — 1 teaspoon
  • taco seasoning, or more to taste — 2 tablespoons
  • (10 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice — 1 can (do not drain)
  • (259 g) chunky salsa, mild, medium, or hot — 1 cup
  • (32 ounces / 960 g) beef broth — 4 cups
  • spaghetti — 16 ounces
  • (113 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese — 1 cup
  • Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

    In a large Dutch oven or pot with a lid, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.

  2. Step 2: Add the Garlic and Taco Seasoning

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add taco seasoning and mix well to coat the meat.

  3. Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients

    Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, salsa, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium heat.

  4. Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

    Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Break it in half to fit into the pot if needed, arranging it in a crisscross pattern. Press the noodles under the liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Cover the pot after each stir.

  5. Step 5: Add the Cheese

    Remove from heat and gradually stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, adding a little at a time until fully melted and smooth.

  6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips for the Best One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

  • Brown the ground beef and onion thoroughly before adding the other ingredients to build a rich, savory flavor.
  • Drain excess grease after browning the beef to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
  • Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Break the spaghetti in half if needed so it fits comfortably inside your pot.
  • Press the spaghetti beneath the liquid and stir every 5 minutes to help prevent the noodles from sticking together.
  • Keep the pot covered between stirring intervals to help the spaghetti cook evenly and absorb the flavorful broth.
  • Check the spaghetti near the end of the cooking time and add a small amount of extra broth if the pot becomes too dry before the pasta is tender.
  • Remove the pot from the heat before adding the Monterey Jack cheese, then stir it in gradually for a smooth, creamy finish.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the taco seasoning, salt, or salsa to suit your preference.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately for an easy, satisfying family dinner.