Description
Spicy Mexican-inspired one pot taco spaghetti brings zesty flavors dancing across your plate, combining classic pasta with bold southwestern seasonings. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and quick preparation make this crowd-pleasing dish perfect for hungry families craving comfort with a kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 ounce (28 grams) packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
Canned and Pasta Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, not drained
- 8 ounces (227 grams) spaghetti noodles
- 2 1/4 cups (532 milliliters) water or low-sodium beef broth
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (1/3 fat recommended)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Grate the cheddar cheese using a box grater and set aside for later use.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then drain excess grease.
- Return the skillet to heat and incorporate taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles, mixing thoroughly.
- Arrange spaghetti noodles in the skillet and pour water or beef broth over them, gently pressing noodles into the liquid.
- Increase heat to boil, then cover and reduce to low-medium. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring midway, until liquid reduces and pasta becomes tender.
- Reduce heat to lowest setting and blend in cream cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring until completely melted and evenly distributed.
- Optionally garnish with reserved cheese, then serve immediately with preferred toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- Customize Spice Levels adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to match your family’s taste preferences.
- Cheese Melting Tip use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, faster melting and more even distribution throughout the dish.
- Protein Alternatives swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein option that keeps the recipe versatile.
- Leftover Magic store any remaining taco spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg