Spaghetti tacos are the perfect fusion of Italian comfort food and Mexican flavors, creating a fun and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. This creative dish combines the beloved taste of spaghetti with the handheld convenience of tacos, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spaghetti tacos offer the best of both worlds – the hearty satisfaction of pasta with the interactive fun of tacos. This recipe is incredibly kid-friendly, making dinner time more exciting and engaging for the whole family. The combination of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and adventurous. Plus, spaghetti tacos are surprisingly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. They’re perfect for parties, casual dinners, or whenever you want to add some playful creativity to your meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream
How to Make Spaghetti Tacos
Creating these delicious spaghetti tacos is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. The key is to prepare each component properly and assemble them while everything is still warm for the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef along with the recommended amount of water from the seasoning packet. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Combine the marinara sauce with the seasoned ground beef and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Warm the taco shells according to package directions, either in the oven or microwave, to make them pliable and crispy.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with a small amount of the meat sauce to lightly coat the pasta and prevent it from sticking together.
- Assemble the spaghetti tacos by placing a generous portion of the sauced spaghetti into each taco shell, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add the finishing touches with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
Helpful Tips
To ensure your spaghetti tacos turn out perfectly every time, cook the spaghetti just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Don’t drain the pasta completely – a little starch from the pasta water will help the sauce adhere better. When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it into small, bite-sized pieces that will fit nicely in the taco shells. For extra flavor, consider adding a minced garlic clove or diced onion to the ground beef while it’s cooking. Keep the taco shells warm in a low oven wrapped in foil to prevent them from getting soggy. If you’re serving a crowd, set up a spaghetti taco bar with all the toppings so everyone can customize their own.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4-6 people Difficulty Level: EasyCuisine: Fusion (Italian-Mexican)
Notes
Spaghetti tacos are best served immediately while the pasta is still warm and the taco shells are crispy. If you need to make components ahead of time, you can cook the spaghetti and meat sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before assembling. For a healthier version, try using whole wheat pasta and lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. Don’t overfill the taco shells – it’s better to use less filling and be able to eat them comfortably than to have them fall apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use angel hair pasta, thin spaghetti, or even broken pieces of regular pasta. The key is to use a long, thin pasta that will fit well in the taco shells.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of this homemade mixture.
Can I make these vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
How do I prevent the taco shells from breaking? Warm the taco shells before filling them to make them more pliable. You can also double up on shells if they seem fragile, or use soft flour tortillas instead of hard shells.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? While spaghetti tacos are best served fresh, you can prepare the pasta and meat sauce components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked spaghetti and meat sauce can be combined and stored together in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the mixture. Taco shells should be stored in their original packaging in a dry place and crisped up in the oven before serving leftovers. Fresh toppings like tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream should be stored separately and added fresh when reheating. For best results, don’t assemble leftover spaghetti tacos until you’re ready to eat them, as the shells can become soggy.
Conclusion
Spaghetti tacos represent the perfect marriage of comfort food and creative cooking, delivering a meal that’s both satisfying and fun. This recipe proves that fusion cuisine doesn’t have to be complicated – sometimes the best dishes come from simple, unexpected combinations. Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with something new or need a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, spaghetti tacos are sure to be a hit. The interactive nature of eating them makes every meal feel like a special occasion, while the familiar flavors ensure everyone will find something to love. Give this recipe a try and discover why spaghetti tacos are quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere.