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Easy One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Beef for Quick Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pot taco spaghetti with ground beef that combines bold taco flavors with comforting pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 8 oz spaghetti (regular dry or gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (no-salt-added preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 100 g)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes until mostly browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Push beef to one side, add a little oil if pan is dry, then add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, stirring frequently.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over beef and onions, add minced jalapeño if using, and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Break spaghetti in half if desired and stir into the simmering sauce, pushing strands down to submerge. Cover skillet with a lid.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  7. Taste pasta for doneness; adjust salt and pepper as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen.
  8. Turn off heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and gently fold in until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep an eye on liquid level during simmering and add broth or water if it evaporates too fast to avoid dry pasta. Break spaghetti in half for even cooking. Add cheese off heat to prevent it from becoming oily or stringy. Leftovers taste better the next day after flavors meld. Not ideal for freezing after cheese is added.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, taco spaghetti, ground beef, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, Tex-Mex, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-one-pot-taco-spaghetti-recipe-with-ground-beef-for-quick-dinner/