One Pot Taco Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
583 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
One Pot Taco Spaghetti
Description
One Pot Taco Spaghetti is a unique twist on traditional spaghetti, incorporating taco seasonings and ingredients like diced tomatoes with green chilies and cream cheese to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Ground beef is browned and seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic and onion powders to build the base flavor. The broth, tomatoes, and cream cheese combine to form a rich sauce in which the spaghetti cooks, soaking up the flavors.
The cooking process involves simmering the uncooked spaghetti in this sauce until tender, then topping with Mexican blend cheese and scallions to melt and freshen the dish. The result is a saucy pasta that carries both Mexican and Italian influences, with creamy, spicy notes and a touch of freshness from the scallions.
This recipe works well for those wanting a hearty yet convenient weeknight meal with minimal cleanup owing to the one-pot method. Adjust seasoning and liquid levels during cooking to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly and the sauce remains saucy rather than dry. It can be enjoyed on its own or with simple sides like a green salad.
The recipe notes advise attention to cooking times since stove and pot heat can vary. If the pasta hasn’t fully cooked when liquid is low, add more beef broth. Cream cheese softens quickly when microwaved briefly, aiding smooth incorporation. Use taco seasoning packets for convenience if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices, Rotel brand
- 1 (10 ounce) can green chilies with juices, Rotel brand
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/2 block Philly
- 8 ounces spaghetti uncooked
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup scallions chopped
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to a pot/Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and cook until just browned, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along (about 7-8 minutes). Spoon out excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the beef broth, Rotel, and cream cheese to the pot, and increase the heat to high. Stir to mix the cream cheese in, but it's ok if it's not fully melted in by the time it boils.
- Once boiling, add in the spaghetti and cook for 12 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. You will need to turn the heat down at some point to maintain a constant simmer (medium or even medium-low) so it's bubbling but not furiously boiling.
- Turn the burner off (but leave the pot where it is). Sprinkle the cheese and scallions over top and close the lid for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and more of the liquid absorbs. This recipe should have quite a bit of sauce.
- Season with salt & pepper if needed and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust liquid amounts as needed during cooking to prevent drying or undercooked pasta; add beef broth when necessary.
- Microwaving the cream cheese briefly softens it for easier mixing.
- Individual spices can be replaced with taco seasoning packets for simplified preparation.
- Letting the pasta rest with cheese and scallions after cooking helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 583 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 583kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 1097mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 899mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1532IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 421mg | 42% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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