Looking for a quick dinner you know the whole family will love! Spaghetti Tacos are a tasty mashup of Italian spaghetti and Mexican tacos. The spicy and savory taco spaghetti filling works perfectly with the crunchy taco shells and makes an innovative meal to add some pizzazz to your dinner table.
Note: that links to products you find in this post are Amazon affiliate links which means I do make a small amount of money when you click and make purchases.
Tacos are a family favorite. They're one of those dishes that even the kids seem to gobble up without any complaints. In my book, that's a win-win!
I love that this saucy and cheesy meal comes together in just minutes and even better, it's easy on the pocketbook too. All you need are seven ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
These spaghetti tacos also work great for parties or make a budget-friendly option for serving a crowd.
If your family loves tacos too, you've got to try these cheeseburger tacos and my chicken taco casserole next.
Jump to:
Ingredients
All you need to make this comforting and easy meal are a handful of simple ingredients. Here's what you need.
- Taco shells: You want to use standing taco shells. These have a flat bottom and will stand up when placed on the tray or plate. They are a bit wider and have straighter sides which makes them way easier to fill with the taco spaghetti filling.
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor. It has just enough fat to add flavor and moisture which may be lacking in ultra lean ground beef.
- Taco seasoning: To give the beef mixture that taco flavor. You can replace it with homemade taco seasoning. Use the same amount you'd use for a pound of beef.
- Marinara sauce: Using prepared marinara sauce makes this a quick meal. Any brand works so feel free to use your favorite.
- Tomatoes with chiles: These seasoned diced tomatoes are an easy way to add an extra layer of “taco” flavor.
- Spaghetti: Make sure it's cooked and drained. You can also use leftover spaghetti if you have enough or prep it a day or two before making the entire recipe.
- Grated parmesan cheese: For sprinkling at the end before serving!
See the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and the exact quantities of each one.
Variations
- Ground Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey with very similar results. Since the turkey is leaner you may need to add a bit of oil to the skillet when browning it if it's sticking.
- Change the Pasta: Spaghetti is the traditional option for spaghetti tacos but you can use other long pastas or even short pastas if you prefer. Just be sure to follow the directions on the package for cooking it.
- Spicy: If you prefer spicy flavors you can use a spicy or hot taco seasoning or the hot version of the canned tomatoes with chilies.
- Lower Carb: Switch out the spaghetti noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead.
- Add Melty Cheese: You can add some mozzarella or Monterey Jack shreds before the parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness. To melt them pop them in the oven just long enough to melt the cheese before serving.
How to Make Spaghetti Tacos
Gather up all your ingredients and let's get cooking. This mashup of tacos and spaghetti goes together with minimal prep and steps.
- Step 1: Remove the taco shells from the package and heat them up according to package directions.
- Step 2: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.
- Step 3: Add the taco seasoning, marinara sauce, and tomatoes to the skillet with the beef.
- Step 4: Lower the heat and cook for 5 minutes or until a nice thick sauce has formed.
- Step 5: Add the noodles and toss with the beef mixture to mix everything together.
- Step 6: Distribute the spaghetti into the heated taco shells. Be gentle adding the mixture to avoid breaking the shells.
- Step 7: Top each spaghetti taco with parmesan cheese.
- Step 8: Serve them up with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- Storing: Once assembled your spaghetti tacos are enjoyed immediately. Store leftover spaghetti taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months. Make sure it's fully cooled before storing it and don't forget to label the container with a date if you're freezing it. Taco shells are best stored in a cool, dry place in their original packaging to maintain crispness.
- Reheating: You can reheat the filling in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it's a bit dry, add a bit of extra sauce to restore the moisture and consistency. If frozen, thaw out the frozen filling in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Spaghetti tacos are perfect for a weeknight dinner but can also be a fun addition to a taco bar for a party or gathering.
- Add Some Toppings: No matter when you're serving them don't forget to add some fun and flavorful toppings. Some ideas include sour cream, fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for extra flavor and freshness to your spaghetti tacos.
- Enjoy as a Meal: Serve them up with rice and beans or your favorite taco sides for a complete meal. Some vegetables in the form of a salad or easy veggie side dish work great too. Try these oven roasted green beans or skillet corn.
- Add an Appetizer: Kick things off with this jalapeno popper dip, salsa, and guacamole along with some chips.
Expert Tips
- Don't Assemble Too Early. The taco shells will get soft quickly so try to fill them just before serving. If serving for a crowd or party, make up a few at a time or serve them up separately and let everyone fill their own.
- Choose the Right Taco Shells. Standing shells are essential! The spaghetti mixture is bulky and regular taco shells don't have a wide enough opening and will break.
- Customize the Toppings. Serve the toppings up in bowls so everyone can add what they want on top.
Recipe FAQs
It will all depend on the brand and spiciness of your taco seasoning and canned tomatoes. If you prefer less heat, choose mild or simply use diced tomatoes without the green chilies for an ultra-mild version.
You can but the corn taco shells work best with the pasta for both flavor and texture. The crunch of the corn taco shells makes an interesting counterpart to the pasta and the corn adds another layer of flavor you won't get from flour tortillas.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Spaghetti Tacos
Equipment
- Taco Server
Ingredients
- 12 standing taco shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 10 ounce can tomatoes with chiles drained
- 7 ounces spaghetti noodles cooked and drained
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare taco shells according to package directions and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off fat and return to the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the taco seasoning, marinara sauce and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cooking for 5 minutes or until a nice thick sauce has formed.
- Turn off heat and add noodles, tossing until fully incorporated.
- Distribute the spaghetti in the prepared taco shells and top with parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Don't Assemble Too Early. The taco shells will get soft quickly so try to fill them just before serving. If serving for a crowd or party, make up a few at a time or serve them up separately and let everyone fill their own.
- Choose the Right Taco Shells. Standing shells are essential! The spaghetti mixture is bulky and regular taco shells don't have a wide enough opening and will break.
- Customize the Toppings. Serve the toppings up in bowls so everyone can add what they want on top.
Leave a Reply