Description
Savory One Pot Taco Spaghetti blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into a mouthwatering dinner sensation. Hearty pasta, zesty ground beef, and melted cheese create a quick, satisfying meal that combines comfort and excitement for spice-loving diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Pasta and Liquid:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked spaghetti
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14-ounce/396 grams) can diced tomatoes (with liquid)
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1 (1-ounce/28 grams) packet taco seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic and diced onions with ground beef over medium heat. Crumble the meat while cooking until it turns brown and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour the entire contents of canned tomatoes, including liquid, and add water directly into the skillet with the seasoned beef.
- Carefully place uncooked spaghetti into the liquid, pushing it down to ensure complete submersion.
- Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet and cook for approximately 15 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent spaghetti from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After spaghetti reaches al dente texture, remove lid and continue cooking for an additional minute to reduce excess liquid.
- Remove skillet from heat and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and create a creamy texture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot, offering a delightful fusion of taco and pasta flavors.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the overall texture and taste of the meal.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the beef browning stage to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavors.
- For spice lovers, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level and give the dish an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg