One-Pot Taco Spaghetti: A Super Fun and Easy Dinner!
Hey kids! Imagine a world where taco night and spaghetti night come together in one amazing dish. Well, that’s exactly what happens with One-Pot Taco Spaghetti! It’s a quick and easy dinner that blends all the best taco flavors with yummy spaghetti noodles. And here’s the best part—everything cooks in just one pot, so there’s no mountain of dirty dishes waiting at the end.
Safety First: Stay Safe in the Kitchen—Remember, Cooking with Adults is a Must!
When it comes to cooking, safety is the number one priority, especially for young chefs! The kitchen can be full of exciting activities, but it also has hot stoves, sharp knives, and other tools that require careful handling. That’s why it’s so important to always have an adult around when cooking. With adult supervision, kids can learn how to use kitchen tools safely, understand the importance of washing hands and surfaces, and practice good habits like keeping pot handles turned inward and using oven mitts. Cooking together not only makes the experience safer but also more fun, as it becomes a shared activity where everyone can enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Let’s dive into how to make this One-Pot Taco Spaghetti the tastiest meal ever!
Lean and Mean:
The recipe starts with lean ground beef. This type of beef has just enough fat to cook the onions and garlic without making the dish too greasy. For those who like to mix it up, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly too.
All in One Pot:
In this recipe, even the spaghetti gets cooked right in the same pot! Breaking the noodles in half makes them fit better and easier to stir. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce gives it extra flavor and makes the dish super creamy and delicious.
Cheesy Goodness:
Velveeta is the secret to a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, while sharp cheddar adds a tasty flavor punch. But if someone has a favorite cheese, like a Mexican blend or Colby Jack, they can use that instead for their own twist.
Top It Off:
The fun doesn’t stop there! This taco spaghetti is best topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a tangy kick. For even more fun, add fresh pico de gallo, sweet corn kernels, or avocado slices.
Here’s What’s Needed:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (93% works great!)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (Rotel is a favorite!)
- 1 packet (1 oz.) taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp. homemade)
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles
- 4 oz. Velveeta cheese, cut into pieces
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for serving)
- Sour cream (optional)
Let’s Cook!
- In a big pot, ground beef is cooked with chopped onion and garlic over medium-high heat. The cook stirs occasionally until the beef is browned, which takes about 5-6 minutes. Next, water, tomatoes, and taco seasoning are added, and the pot is covered to bring it to a boil.
- The spaghetti noodles are broken in half and added to the pot. The heat is reduced to medium, and the pot is covered again, letting the spaghetti cook for 12-14 minutes until it’s tender.
- Once the pot is off the heat, Velveeta, cheddar, and cilantro are stirred in until everything is melted and gooey. The taco spaghetti is then served with a sprinkle of extra cilantro and a little sour cream on top if desired.
And just like that, One-Pot Taco Spaghetti is ready to be enjoyed! Can’t wait to hear how it turned out, so be sure to share the fun!
