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- 12 oz spaghetti - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (choose your favorite color), diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained if using canned) - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream, for serving The ingredients for One-Pot Taco Spaghetti are simple and tasty. You start with 12 oz of spaghetti, which is the heart of the dish. Next, you need 1 lb of ground turkey or beef for protein. A medium onion adds sweetness and flavor, while 2 cloves of minced garlic give a nice kick. Choose a bell pepper you like; it can be red, green, or yellow for color and crunch. For the additional ingredients, grab a 15 oz can of black beans. Rinse and drain them first. You will also need a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes with their juice. A cup of corn adds sweetness; you can use frozen or canned. Use 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth for a savory base. The taco seasoning, about 2 tablespoons, brings in that classic taco flavor. Don't forget 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for creaminess. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, fresh cilantro makes a bright garnish, and sour cream adds a creamy finish when serving. With these ingredients, you will create a delicious and quick meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes. They should become tender and smell great. Next, add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook the meat, stirring regularly for 6 to 7 minutes. Make sure it’s fully browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it out. Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and broth. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture will be the base of your taco spaghetti. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti. Push it down gently into the sauce as much as you can. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the spaghetti from sticking. The pasta should be cooked through and absorb most of the liquid. If it looks too dry, add a bit more broth or water. When the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and makes the dish creamy. Taste your taco spaghetti and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it thicken slightly before serving. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it often. This keeps it loose and helps it cook evenly. Adding a splash of olive oil to the pot can also help. Make sure the heat is not too high. Too much heat can lead to uneven cooking. Stirring every few minutes will help your pasta cook just right. You can add extra toppings to make your dish pop. Try sliced jalapeños for heat or diced avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of lime juice can brighten the flavors too. If you like it spicy, add more taco seasoning or some chili powder. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. For serving, place the taco spaghetti in individual bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream. This adds creaminess to every bite. Fresh cilantro gives a nice color and a burst of freshness. You can also serve it with tortilla chips on the side for crunch. Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: Ground turkey is a leaner option, while ground beef provides more flavor. Select based on your preference for health or taste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor. Adjust Spice Level: If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or extra taco seasoning to kick up the heat! Make It Ahead: This dish stores well! Prepare it ahead and reheat for easy meals throughout the week. {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms. These add great texture and flavor. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you prefer that. For different protein choices, try chicken or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times for different meats to ensure they cook through. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free spaghetti. There are many brands that taste great. You can also try whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier choice. Want to get creative? Use different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well and make eating fun. To spice things up, add unexpected ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce. You can even include ingredients like olives or avocado for extra flavor. For regional variations, think about using taco spices from different cultures. Try adding cumin for a Mexican twist or curry powder for an Indian flavor. Each change will give you a new take on this dish! To store your leftover taco spaghetti, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat later. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the taste and texture may change. You can freeze taco spaghetti for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Make sure to remove excess air. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Leftover taco spaghetti is very versatile. You can use it in a taco salad for a fresh twist. Just mix with greens and add your favorite toppings. Another idea is to stuff it into bell peppers and bake. You can enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Yes, you can use different meats. Ground chicken or pork works well too. Each meat adds a unique flavor. Turkey is leaner, while beef offers a richer taste. Adjust cooking times slightly based on the meat used. This dish takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping ingredients. Cooking the spaghetti takes about 12-15 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can prep this meal ahead. Cook it and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies boost nutrition and flavor. Just chop them small so they cook well. Mix them in when you sauté the onion and garlic. This one-pot taco spaghetti is simple and fun to make. You learned about essential ingredients like ground turkey, beans, and cheese. I shared tips to enhance flavor and presented ways to change it up. Remember, you can swap meat or pasta for variety. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. In the end, this dish is great for any meal. Try it out and make it your own!

Delicious One-Pot Taco Spaghetti

A flavorful and easy one-pot meal combining spaghetti with taco-inspired ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained if using canned)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  • Next, add the ground turkey or beef into the pot. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 6-7 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. If there is excess fat in the pot, carefully drain it off.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir to ensure that the mixture is evenly coated with the spices.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, rinsed black beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  • Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti, gently pushing it down to submerge it as much as possible into the sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for approximately 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the spaghetti is cooked through and the liquid has absorbed significantly. If the mixture appears too dry, feel free to add a bit more broth or water.
  • Once the spaghetti is cooked to your liking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Garnish with a generous handful of fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls with sour cream and cilantro for garnish.
Keyword easy dinner, one-pot meal, spaghetti, taco