One-Pot Taco Spaghetti Recipe for Weeknights

Bring the flavor to pasta night!

I love adding tangy buffalo flavor to comforting pasta dishes. In this recipe I add buffalo sauce to taco-seasoned beef and tomatoes, then cook spaghetti right in the pot so the noodles soak up all the saucy, spicy flavor. If you prefer less heat, swap the buffalo sauce for mild taco sauce or a milder hot sauce and adjust to taste.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is how simple it is: everything cooks in one pot in under 30 minutes. That means a quick dinner, bold flavors, and almost no cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.

Key ingredients and substitutions

Below are notes on a few ingredients and easy swaps. The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe section.

• Ground beef — You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
• Taco seasoning — Homemade taco seasoning or a store-bought packet both work well; adjust salt and spice to taste.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies — Commonly sold as Rotel. Choose mild, original, or hot depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Buffalo sauce — Adds tang and heat. If you don’t want buffalo flavor, substitute 1 cup taco sauce, or 1/2 cup hot sauce plus an extra 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• Cheddar cheese — Sharp cheddar gives a milder result; smoky or peppered cheddars (chipotle, habanero) add extra heat and complexity.

Instructions

Step-by-step photos help illustrate the process, and a concise recipe card follows. The method is straightforward: brown the meat, add seasonings and liquids, nest the broken spaghetti into the pot, and simmer until the noodles are tender.

One Pot Taco Spaghetti

A quick, one-pot taco-flavored spaghetti with buffalo tang and melted cheddar. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup buffalo sauce (or 1 cup taco sauce; or 1/2 cup hot sauce + 1/2 cup extra broth)
• 1/2 pound spaghetti noodles, broken in half
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté 1 more minute.
2. Cook the meat: Add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
3. Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and buffalo sauce.
4. Add the pasta: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and nestle them into the sauce mixture.
5. Pour in broth and simmer: Add the chicken broth and stir gently to combine. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the lid, fluff the pasta, and top with grated cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with meatless crumbles or soy chorizo and use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free spaghetti and check labels on taco seasoning, buffalo sauce, and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free.
• Adjust the heat: Use mild diced tomatoes and sharp cheddar for a milder dish; choose hot Rotel, spicy cheddar, or extra-hot buffalo sauce to crank up the heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 680 kcal | Carbohydrates: 51 g | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 37 g | Sodium: 2543 mg

More one pot recipes

If you enjoy one-pot meals, try simple soups and skillet pastas next—these are great for busy nights and share the same convenience and comfort.

Lasagna Soup

One Pot Greek Pasta

One Pot Taco Rice Skillet

One Pot Italian Sausage Shells and Cheese