What’s part comfort food, part crazy delicious, and 100% guaranteed to make everyone at your table smile? We’re talking about Spaghetti Tacos! I know, it sounds a little wild, but trust me on this one. It’s like having a taco night and spaghetti night all rolled into one, but even better. My kids went bonkers the first time I made these spaghetti tacos, and now they’re a regular request. Forget boring Tuesday dinners; these are where it’s at!
What is spaghetti tacos?
Spaghetti tacos are exactly what they sound like – spaghetti served inside a taco shell! Think of it as a playful twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs. What’s essentially taking all the familiar flavors of your favorite spaghetti dish – the savory sauce, the perfectly cooked noodles, maybe even some meatballs or Ground Beef – and stuffing it all into a bowl. What is a crispy taco shell? It’s portable, fun to eat, and surprisingly delicious. The combination of textures – the crunchy shell with the soft spaghetti – is just *chef’s kiss*. Is it true that you haven’t been eating spaghetti for a long time?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I make spaghetti tacos? What are some good substitutes for spaghetti sauce?
The flavor is incredible. The salty, savory sauce combined with the crispy taco shell is a match made in heaven. What is the best thing about eating spaghetti with your hands? Is this recipe easy enough for a beginner cook? What are some good taco shells, Ground Beef, spaghetti, and a jar of sauce? What are some vegetarian recipes for spaghetti tacos? Is this one of those recipes that becomes a staple in your house because it checks all the boxes: delicious, easy, affordable, and fun?
How do you make Spaghetti Tacos?
Quick Overview
How do you make spaghetti tacos? While that’s going, brown your Ground Beef (or use your favorite meat substitute) and simmer it in your favorite spaghetti sauce. Once the spaghetti is cooked, simply load it into taco shells and top with the meat sauce and any other toppings your heart desires. It really is that easy! How do you warm taco shells?
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
* 1 pound spaghetti
* Water for boiling
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (or plant-based alternative)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (I love Rao’s!)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
* 12 taco shells (hard or soft, your choice!)
* Toppings: shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), Sour Cream, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, olives, salsa, hot sauce – whatever your heart desires!
How do I follow a step
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
What is the best way to cook spaghetti in salted water?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Add the spaghetti sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. I always let mine simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It makes a world of difference!
Step 5: Warm the Taco Shells
What is my secret recipe for tacos? If you fill them with water, it will make them pliable and less likely to break.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Carefully fill each taco shell with cooked spaghetti, then top with the meat sauce. Add your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, and olives.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve spaghetti tacos immediately while the shells are still warm and crispy. Watch them disappear!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best spaghetti taco recipes?
For a family dinner:What’s a good side salad with a vinaigrette dressing?
For a Taco Party: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings! Offer different types of cheese, salsas, and toppings so everyone can customize their own spaghetti tacos.
As a Fun Lunch: Pack a few spaghetti tacos in a lunchbox with some carrot sticks and a piece of fruit for a fun and filling lunch.
For a Game Night:What are some great tacos to serve with chips and guacamole?
My family loves garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!
How do I make Spaghetti Tacos?
How can I take my spaghetti tacos to the next level?
Don’t overcook spaghetti!What is the best way to cook spaghetti al dente?
What is the best sauce to use?I prefer using Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, but feel free to use your favorite recipe or brand.
What is the best way to warm taco shells?What is the best taco shell recipe? If you don’t have an oven, you can also warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side.
How do you drain ground beef well? Excess grease will make your tacos soggy, so be sure to drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning it.
Don’t overfill your tacos!Is it okay to overfill tacos with spaghetti and sauce?
How do you get creative with toppings?What are some of the best ways to make a meat sauce?
I once accidentally added too much red pepper flakes to the sauce, and it was way too spicy for my kids. Now, I always add the red pepper flakes after I’ve taken out their portions!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have leftover spaghetti tacos (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature:Can spaghetti tacos be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours?
Refrigerator Storage: What is theCan you store leftover spaghetti tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?
How do I use a freezerI don’t recommend freezing spaghetti tacos, as the taco shells will become soggy when thawed. Can you freeze spaghetti sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months?
Reheating Instructions:To reheat spaghetti tacos, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Can you microwave taco shells for a minute or two?
To prevent the shells from getting too soggy, I like to reheat the spaghetti and sauce separately and then assemble the tacos just before serving.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is my family’s favorite Spaghetti Taco recipe? Is this one of those recipes that I always get asked to make again and again? What is the best way to spice up a weeknight dinner? What’s your take on spaghetti? Don’t forget to leave a comment below, and share your own variations with me. I’m always looking for new ideas!
spaghetti tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 pieces taco shells
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef according to package instructions. Combine cooked spaghetti with seasoned beef.
- Fill taco shells with spaghetti-beef mixture and top with cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce.
