Description
One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful fusion dish combining seasoned ground beef, smoked turkey bacon, crushed tomatoes, and plant-based cheese cooked together with spaghetti noodles. This easy, hearty skillet recipe delivers bold taco-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying family dinners. Customize it with extra veggies, plant-based proteins, or gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats and Proteins
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 pound crumbled tofu or tempeh (plant-based protein substitute)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels
- Optional: 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded plant-based mozzarella and cheddar blend (plant-based)
Instructions
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Then add ground beef, seasoning it as it browns until no longer pink.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, taco seasoning (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate the Spaghetti: Break spaghetti noodles in half to fit the skillet and nestle them carefully into the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer on medium heat until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Plant-Based Cheese and Serve: Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle plant-based cheese into the skillet. Stir gently until it melts smoothly into the mixture, creating a creamy finish before serving.
Notes
- Use medium heat to cook ingredients evenly and prevent burning.
- Keep the lid on while pasta cooks to trap steam and ensure the noodles soften properly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the skillet bottom.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it saucy.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken and allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: one-pot, taco spaghetti, quick dinner, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, ground beef, easy recipe, gluten-free option
