Spaghetti Tacos: A Fun & Flavorful Twist on Taco Night

Imagine this: a crunchy taco shell cradling the tender, savory embrace of spaghetti, topped with zesty marinara and a sprinkle of cheese. That’s right, it’s spaghetti tacos, and they’re not just a meal; they’re an adventure on a plate. The delightful clash of Italian and Mexican cuisines will have your taste buds performing a happy dance, making every bite an experience to remember.

Now, picture this: it’s Taco Tuesday, and instead of the usual suspects, your family is greeted by the glorious sight of spaghetti tacos. You can almost hear their gasps of delight! Whether it’s a fun dinner party or just a casual weeknight meal, spaghetti tacos are sure to add an element of surprise that brings everyone together in laughter and joy.

Growing up, these quirky tacos were the highlight of our family dinners. My friends still talk about that one time we made them for a party and the whole night became an epic taste-testing competition.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Use any pasta you prefer; just cook until al dente for the perfect texture.

• Taco Shells: Choose hard shells for crunch or soft tortillas for a twist on tradition.

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Opt for lean meat to keep it healthy; season well with taco spices.

• Marinara Sauce: Store-bought works fine; however, homemade adds that extra love!

• Shredded Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides fantastic flavor and meltiness.

• Fresh Toppings: Think lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream for added crunch and zest.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

First things first: Gather your ingredients like a master chef preparing for battle—after all, we’re going to create something magical.

Cook Your Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the taco filling.

Prepare Your Taco Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning with just enough water to create a saucy mixture that’s bursting with flavor.

Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce over the meat mixture. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through—this delicious fusion will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Assemble Your Tacos: Take your taco shells—hard or soft—and fill them generously with the meat-sauce mixture followed by spoonfuls of spaghetti. The combination is pure genius!

Topping Time!: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top while everything is still warm so it melts beautifully. Finish off with fresh toppings like lettuce or diced tomatoes for that extra crunch!

Enjoy these delightful spaghetti tacos hot off the grill or oven! Not only do they combine two beloved cuisines into one fabulous meal but they also spark joy at every table they grace. Serve them up alongside some tortilla chips or a fresh salad for balance.

These spaghetti tacos are sure to become a family favorite in no time!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente while preparing your filling and sauce. Simultaneously, warm taco shells in the oven to ensure they’re crisp when serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional toppings like ground beef for grilled chicken or sautéed veggies. Experimenting with sauces such as pesto or marinara can also bring new flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

The first time I made spaghetti tacos, my kids thought I was a culinary genius. Their delight made me realize that food could be a fun experience, not just dinner.

FAQ

What is the best type of pasta for spaghetti tacos?

Spaghetti works great, but you can also use linguine or fettuccine for variety.

Can I make spaghetti tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare components like sauce and meat ahead, but assemble just before serving.

What toppings work well with spaghetti tacos?

Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, or even avocado slices for extra freshness.

Print

Spaghetti Tacos

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 3 (2 tacos per serving) 1x

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Description

Spaghetti tacos are a delightful fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines that brings fun and flavor to your dinner table. Picture crispy taco shells filled with tender spaghetti, seasoned ground meat, and zesty marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights, this whimsical dish is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Experience the joy of combining two beloved meals into one unforgettable adventure that sparks laughter and togetherness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 6 taco shells (hard or soft)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella and cheddar blend)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• sour cream as desired

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Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground meat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning with enough water to create a saucy mixture.
4. Add marinara sauce to the meat mixture; stir until heated through.
5. Fill taco shells with the meat-sauce mix followed by spaghetti.
6. Top with shredded cheese while warm, then add fresh toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling and sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian/Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (218g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap ground meat for grilled chicken or sautéed veggies for a lighter option. Experiment with different pasta types like linguine or fettuccine for variety. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.