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One Pot Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Recipe

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This Creamy Taco Spaghetti is the ultimate One Pot Taco Spaghetti recipe, combining the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of a cheesy pasta dish. Perfect for busy nights, this One Pot Meal is an easy and satisfying dinner solution that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta, this dish comes together quickly, making it a great addition to your Pasta Dinner Recipes rotation. Whether you’re looking for Easy Casserole Recipes, Beef Recipes Easy, or tasty Beef Recipes for Dinner, this Taco Spaghetti is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for anyone craving Ground Beef Recipes that are both delicious and effortless to prepare.

taco spaghetti on a plate.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Creamy Taco Spaghetti turns out perfect:

  1. Use Lean Ground Beef: If you’re using lean ground beef, there’s no need to drain the fat. If you’re using higher-fat beef, make sure to drain excess grease after browning to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
  2. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild or spicy taco seasoning packet, or add extra chili flakes if you like it spicy. The Rotel with green chilis can also be swapped for a mild version if you prefer less heat.
  3. Broken Spaghetti: Breaking the spaghetti noodles in half helps them cook evenly and fit better in the skillet. You can also use other pasta shapes, like penne or elbow macaroni, if preferred.
  4. Simmering Time: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking, and ensure the noodles are fully cooked and the liquid has absorbed.
  5. Cheese Tip: For a cheesier dish, feel free to add extra shredded cheddar or even mix in some Monterey Jack or mozzarella for added creaminess.
  6. Toppings: Fresh toppings like diced green onions and halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef. Feel free to also add sour cream, guacamole, or a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of flavor.
  7. Make Ahead Option: If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole (without the cheese) and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just add the cheese and heat it through when you’re ready to cook.

These tips will help you make this dish even more delicious and suited to your tastes!


Servings: 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

You will need the following items to make this recipe:

  • Measuring cup
  • cast iron skillet
  • meat chopper
  • silicone spoon
  • tinfoil
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1,25 oz packet taco seasoning
  • 10 oz  can Rotel with green chilis
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups of water
  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1-2 green onions, diced

Directions:

Taco spaghetti process photos.
  1. Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a cast iron skillet, until done. (if you’re using lean meat, no need to drain fat – but if not, you will want to drain the fat)
  2. Add the taco seasoning, Roten, tomato sauce, and water. Stir, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Add the spaghetti to the mixture,give it a quick stir, then reduce the heat to low. 
  4. Cover with foil, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.
  5. Sprinkle the cheese all over the skillet, and allow to cook for just a few minutes to melt the cheese.
  6. Chop the tomatoes and dice the green onions, then sprinkle over the casserole, and serve.
  7. Enjoy! 
Taco spaghetti cooked in skillet.

Yield: 4

One Pot Taco Spaghetti

taco spaghetti on a plate.

Spice up your spaghetti night with this tasty taco spaghetti casserole. This simple one skillet dish takes just 40 minutes from start to finish!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1,25 oz packet taco seasoning
  • 10 oz can Rotel with green chilis
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups of water
  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1-2 green onions, diced

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a cast iron skillet, until done. (if you’re using lean meat, no need to drain fat - but if not, you will want to drain the fat)
  2. Add the taco seasoning, Roten, tomato sauce, and water. Stir, and bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Add the spaghetti to the mixture,give it a quick stir, then reduce the heat to low. 
  4. Cover with foil, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.
  5. Sprinkle the cheese all over the skillet, and allow to cook for just a few minutes to melt the cheese.
  6. Chop the tomatoes and dice the green onions, then sprinkle over the casserole, and serve.
  7. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Monitor Liquid Levels: As the spaghetti simmers, keep an eye on the liquid to ensure the noodles are fully cooked. If the mixture looks too dry before the noodles are done, add a little extra water and stir.
  • Cheese Melting: After adding the shredded cheese, cover the skillet to let it melt smoothly. This helps create that creamy, cheesy topping. Don’t skip this step for the best texture.
  • Toppings are Key: The fresh toppings—like diced green onions and cherry tomatoes—add color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish. Feel free to get creative with other toppings like sour cream or avocado for extra flavor.
    1. Nutrition Information:

      Yield:

      4

      Serving Size:

      1

      Amount Per Serving: Calories: 3358Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 64259mgCarbohydrates: 542gFiber: 121gSugar: 103gProtein: 84g

      Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

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