Instant Pot Taco Spaghetti

We've seen a lot of recipe fads with the IP. But none quite compares to Taco Spaghetti! Wow! So many people love this dish--and no wonder: cheesy, saucy, yummy.
But we've got problems. We want more! More vegetables, more spicy yumminess. So here's the version from our cookbook INSTANT POT BIBLE: THE NEXT GENERATION. It's loaded! A meal!
Join Mark Scarbrough as he shows you this deep dig into ultimate comfort food right out of the IP. We can't love this dish more. Here are the ingredients with some additional information for 5-, 6-, or 8-quart Instant Pots:
Saute function at medium
2 tablespoons/30 ml vegetable, canola, or other neutral-flavored oil
1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium green bell pepper, stemmed, cored, and chopped (1 cup)
3 medium garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
1 pound/450 grams lean ground beef, preferably 90% lean or more
1 1/2 tablespoons standard chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons mild paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
Two 10-ounce/280-grams Rotel hot or mild diced tomatoes with chiles
2 cups/500ml chicken (or vegetable or beef) broth
1 cup/160 grams corn kernels (fresh, canned/drained, or frozen)
12 ounces/340 grams raw spaghetti, broken in half to fit (you can use gluten-free but the best sort for this recipe is one made with a mix of "flours," including corn flour, rather than one made exclusively with rice flour)
6 minutes at HIGH, followed by a quick release.
8 ounces/225 grams shredded cheese, preferably a blend of Monterey Jack and American cheddar (don't use a Tex-Mex blend with seasonings added)
Stir it up and it's ready! (Well, Mark added some garnishes. Try pickle relish on it sometime. Delish!)
For a copy of our cookbook INSTANT POT BIBLE: THE NEXT GENERATION, go here: amzn.to/3gixGo7

[@rubim4087]

If I’m making this with 4lbs of meat & extra bell pepper & onion as far as the Measurements go should I double or triple them?

[@rubim4087]

I would be using atleast 3lbs of meat so would I add more Seasonings?

[@sharonw2719]

This is an update, we had the "Taco spaghetti" last night. I sauté a little 90% beef in a separate pan, because my husband does not eat any meat. However, even without the beef, my husband said, "this is a keeper and two thumbs up," which is high praise for him. It was delicious. My question is: can this be fixed with a solid white fish like cod? I do thank you for a great recipe. My confident is increasing, next recipe? Your "True rice pudding!"

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

The fish could work in this dish--but it would have to be prepared separately, as you did the beef. We'd steer clear of cod and go with a thin white-fleshed fish fillet, like snapper maybe or bass of some sort. Grill it or pan-sauté it, then set it over the taco spaghetti mixture. (Thanks for the kind words! And we love that rice pudding. So delicious and decadent.)

[@pamelastokes2964]

I have to tell you, your taco spaghetti is the only one I have seen that actually looks like it has taco seasoning in it. I have watched several videos and they all look watered down. Thanks for a real taco spaghetti recipe! You did sooo good! Pam in South Carolina 😊🤗

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

thanks!!!!

[@christopherschulz2936]

Add the corn after it's cooked to retain flavor

[@boriblueyez]

This was delicious but I added fresh cilantro and diced Haas avocado to the step when I added the cheese then topped it with a dollop of sour cream when plating it the second time I cooked it and that made it even more yummy.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

oh what a great idea!

[@gregorycrouch699]

I am cooking this dish tomorrow God allowing ! So thank you for sharing this recipe 🙂

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Wonderful!

[@kimthatsallyouneedtoknow5684]

frist time watching a video of yours, and I can't wait to try this!! Definitely going to add diced jalapeños and relish afterwards too!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Hi! Mark here, writing you. I wouldn't have it any other way! I love ALLLLLL the spicy things. Make sure you get the canned tomatoes and chiles packed in juice, not puree. Rotel brand is. I'm not sure of the others.

[@kimthatsallyouneedtoknow5684]

@@CookingWithBruceMark just made this in my little 3 quart and halved everything exactly (except spices, I went a little more than half) and it turned out perfect!!! I was afraid the spaghetti was a little 'al dente' after cooking but once I let it sit a few minutes with the cheese it was perfection! Added some sliced jalapeño rings, sliced green olives and raw white onion to my bowl =). SO so flavorful!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

@@kimthatsallyouneedtoknow5684 Yep, we purposely left the noodles just a little "tough" so they could continue to soften under the cheese but not get too gummy. It's really all about finesse! I'm so glad this worked out.

[@kimthatsallyouneedtoknow5684]

@@CookingWithBruceMark out of curiosity, will all of your recipes work this well in the 3 quart if I simply half them? It's more than enough food for just the 2 of us, getting a larger pot would mean tons of left overs.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

@@kimthatsallyouneedtoknow5684 Hey. There are actually some wild proportional problems with some recipes. In our books, we write every recipe for 3-, 5-, 6-, and 8-quart pots (and in "The Next Generation" IP Bible, even for 10-quart pots). But again, some weird proportionality details. In essence, you've got to have about 1 cup of liquids to bring on the pressure in a 3-quart pot. Those liquids can even be created by onions, for example. But it can get funky, particularly in more delicate things or things with lots of "dried" ingredients (even herbs).

[@jamesfrantz6085]

Forgive my stupidity, but is an instant pot the same as a crock pot???I would like to make it but my mom only has a crock pot.Yes,I live with my mom still...

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

James - a crokpot is a slow cooker. cooks low temp all day. an instant pot is a pressure cooker. cooks fast at super high temp. they are not the same thing.

[@jamesfrantz6085]

@@CookingWithBruceMark thanks for clearing that up I'll check into buying one, good day sir and thanks again

[@cathyhargrove2199]

I have been looking for a taco speghetti that says I can use vegetable or beef broth. Most say chicken. Just can’t mix beef and chicken!! Can’t wait to try it. I love how plain and simple you made this.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Hey. Thank you. Give it a whirl and let us know. You know, about the broth. It really depends on the consistency of the final dish if you're using packaged, purchased broth. Chicken broth gives a silkier, more velvety finish than beef. As you know, purchased broth is, well, not always great. And sometimes, it's about hitting a dish with what you want the overall effect to be. But we LOVE the care you surely show for your dishes. And if by chance you're using homemade stock, rather than broth, then for sure you can't swap them around. (And maybe, too, if you're using better purchased broths than most people use.)

[@deborahraenelson]

How many servings does the recipe make? Thank you!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

I could eat the whole thing. Certainly for four people. A few more if they’re not big eaters

[@eileennegron2882]

I'm going to try this recipe. Of the 3 I watched, yours' looks the most appetizing!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

thank you. and yea on the vidalias!!!

[@lynkazan]

Just made this and it was great! Can’t wait to have leftovers.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Make sure you thin the leftovers out with a little broth. The spaghetti will absorb a lot of the sauce. Glad you liked it! (I always think it needs a bit more cheese these days!)

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

i love left over spaghetti!!!

[@philrose7716]

Im trying to figure out if Red or White wine is best for this meal?

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

red or white is a matter of personal taste and preference no matter what you are eating. personally i like champagne with everything!!!

[@jackwebb5917]

so, I'm confused.. I've always heard "fat is flavor" but you recommend lean meat... I'm I understanding that fat juicy meat is NOT good for this recipe??

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Hey there. Mark here. Here's the deal: there's no real evaporation or condensation in the pot. So greasy meat just ends up making the pasta too slick. On the stove or in the oven, I'm with you: fat is indeed flavor. But in an Instant Pot, there's always a problem with the lack of condensation. So in this case, I think the leanest meat possible yields the best dish.

[@jackwebb5917]

@@CookingWithBruceMark Gotcha!

[@stevestewart3816]

Who is Bruce?

[@marylandsmann1175]

I just made this for dinner. It turned out fabulous. Thank you

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

oh, We are so glad you loved it!

[@debicaron6046]

Just found you..ordered your cookbook..😋 yum..

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Thanks! This is Mark writing you. I hope you try this taco spaghetti. One note: make sure you buy tomatoes and chiles packed in juice, not in puree. That's the only way you can avoid the burn notice.

[@eileennegron2882]

Also, for the sweetness, would you use a Vidalia onion?

[@doloresminogue3507]

So helpful for working parents not getting home until later in the evening!

[@jasonlewis1926]

Pro tip: Add freshly chopped jalapenos with the bell pepper & onion for a real Texas kick!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

great idea

[@LittleDebbie187717]

This taco spaghetti looks fantastic. It will be quite the meal, and a meal I would look forward to have.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Hope you enjoy

[@shirleyabel6027]

I was strain the hamburger then run it over very hot water to remove all the grease from the hamburger put it back in the pot continue to add your ingredients if not that ground beef with all that grease that's heart attack waiting to happen but as far as that it looks pretty good just put your hamburger in a colander run it over hot water very hot water then put it back in the pot continue adding your seasonings thank you for sharing I think I'll make that tomorrow

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

I wouldn't do that. I'd fear a big loss of flavor. But I do know that it's terrific that you're making health choices for yourself. I applaud you're effort! (This is Mark writing you from our team.)

[@mymadcrazyreellife9424]

I am making this today! Ty. I just discovered your channel!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

We are thrilled you did. Hope you love this dish as much as we do

[@sharonw667]

I just purchased your new book that arrived yesterday. Thanks for all the yummy recipes!! Yum! Love those pro-tips. I am writing those on the page in the book.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Thank you! And you know where to reach us if you have any questions--here or in the Cooking With Bruce and Mark Facebook group.

[@isabelespinoza2394]

Love 🎥

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Thank you! (This is Mark writing to you!)

[@KelleyLynneBrown]

Wondering why you can't use whole grain spaghetti ?

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

you can use whole grain spahgetti but the texture isn't quite as good in the IP. But it does work. Try cooking it one minute less then if you need to , turn the machine on saute and stir the pasta in the bubbbling sauce to keep cooking if it needs the extra time. too much time under pressure is what can be the problem.

[@jasonlewis1926]

Gonna try. Saved.

[@debc7341]

I’m making this!

[@grasielagalindo8067]

Looks delicious.

[@soonzach4017]

Yummy

[@datamaker1]

I’m trying this.

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

Do it! Let me know if you have any questions. Just drop them here or head over to our website, cookingwithbruceandmark-dot-com, and leave a question there. Or even in my IG feed. (This is Mark writing to you.)

[@deehuntley1712]

Thank you for all the information you provide. Great recipe.

[@Ilovecats-bb8de]

This is delicious! Just made it. I love being able to make it in the Instant Pot! Thank you!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

I am so happy you love this1

[@daniellegutierrez8863]

This looks so good!!!

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

thank you!!!! it is delicious!

[@daniellegutierrez8863]

I just bought all the ingredients I’m making it tonight for dinner👍🏻

[@CookingWithBruceMark]

@@daniellegutierrez8863 yummy - enjoy