When you think of comfort food, spaghetti and tacos both likely come to mind. Now, imagine combining these two beloved dishes into one delicious meal. Spaghetti tacos offer a unique twist that will excite your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a fun meal with friends, spaghetti tacos are sure to be a hit. This delightful fusion is simple to make and brings a cheerful vibe to your dining table, making it the perfect option for any occasion.
Why We Love This Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
There’s something about spaghetti tacos that makes them feel special. It’s the combination of two favorites into one extraordinary dish that makes your joy in eating them all the more enjoyable. The saucy spaghetti paired with seasoned ground beef, all nestled into a crispy taco shell, creates a delightful combination of textures. The melted cheese on top adds that perfect finishing touch.
Beyond the incredible flavor, spaghetti tacos are also incredibly versatile. You can adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or even make them a little spicier for that extra kick. Plus, it’s an easy one-pot dish that reduces cleanup time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The playful presentation makes it a hit with children, encouraging them to try new foods in a fun way.
Ingredients about Spaghetti Tacos
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your spaghetti tacos. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this delightful dish.
- 6 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 oz mild taco seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 3/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 10 Old El Paso stand and stuff taco shells
How to Make Spaghetti Tacos Directions
Creating spaghetti tacos can be an exciting culinary adventure. Follow these steps for delicious results:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your taco shells will be perfectly crisp when they come out.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks. Cook until completely browned, ensuring no pink remains. Once done, carefully drain the grease from the pan to keep it lean and tasty.
Season the Meat: Return the pan to medium heat and pour in 1/2 cup of water along with the mild taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Sauces: Once the meat is seasoned, stir in the tomato sauce, mixing everything thoroughly. This will create a nice base for your spaghetti mixture.
Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and carefully stir to ensure that all the spaghetti is well coated with the seasoned beef and sauce.
Incorporate Diced Tomatoes: Gently mix in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, which will add a lovely freshness and slight heat to your dish.
Add Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle in 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Stir until the cheese melts into the warm mixture, creating a creamy texture.
Prepare the Taco Shells: Take your Old El Paso stand and stuff taco shells and place them in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Stuff the Taco Shells: Use a spoon to carefully scoop the spaghetti mixture into each taco shell. Fill them generously to maximize flavors in every bite.
Top with Cheese: For that extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese on top of the stuffed tacos.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and allow the tacos to bake for 4-6 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: As soon as they’re out of the oven, serve your spaghetti tacos immediately while they’re hot. You’ll love the combination of flavors and textures!
How to Serve Spaghetti Tacos
Serving spaghetti tacos is part of the fun. You can set up a taco bar where everyone creates their own version. Offer additional toppings, such as lettuce, sour cream, avocado, and salsa, allowing each guest to personalize their meal. This engaging format not only makes eating more enjoyable but also encourages family interaction, making mealtime a pleasant experience.
Consider serving the tacos alongside a fresh salad or some crispy tortilla chips for an added crunch. A few slices of avocado or a side of guacamole can elevate the meal, providing freshness that complements the richness of the spaghetti tacos. You can even serve a light dessert or fresh fruit afterward to balance the flavors of the meal and leave everyone satisfied.
Expert Tips: Spaghetti Tacos
Cook Pasta Perfectly: For the best results, cook the spaghetti just until al dente. You want it to have a bit of bite so it holds up in the taco shell without getting mushy.
Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize grease and enhance the healthy aspects of the dish. You can also substitute turkey or chicken if preferred.
Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices to the meat mixture, such as garlic powder or onion powder. These can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Cheese Choices: While a Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully, feel free to use other types of cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, depending on your taste.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the spaghetti mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the taco shells and bake them, saving you time during busy evenings.
How to Store Spaghetti Tacos
If you have leftovers (which is rare with how scrumptious they are), storing them is easy. Place any uneaten spaghetti tacos in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through and the cheese has melted. This method helps maintain the texture of the taco shells while refreshing the flavors of the filling.
For longer storage, consider removing the filling from the taco shells and freezing it. It can last for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Prepare new taco shells when you’re ready to serve.
Variations of Spaghetti Tacos
Spaghetti tacos can be modified in numerous ways to suit your taste buds or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Veggie Tacos: Substitute ground beef with a mix of diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sauté them with the taco seasoning for a hearty, vegetarian option.
Zucchini Noodle Tacos: For a lighter alternative, spiralize zucchini into noodle shapes and use them instead of traditional spaghetti. This lower-carb option will delight those watching their carb intake.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, add some jalapeños to the beef mixture or top your tacos with spicy salsa or hot sauce.
Cheesy Layers: Consider adding slices of cheese into the taco shells before the spaghetti fills, creating a gooey layer of melted cheese.
Asian Fusion: Mix things up by adding soy sauce and ginger to the ground meat, then serve with wonton wrappers for an Asian twist on the concept.
FAQs about Spaghetti Tacos
What are spaghetti tacos?
Spaghetti tacos are a fun and delicious fusion dish that combines cooked spaghetti with seasoned ground beef, all served inside crispy taco shells. They bring together Italian and Mexican flavors in a delightful way.
How do you make spaghetti tacos?
Making spaghetti tacos involves cooking the spaghetti and ground beef separately, then mixing them with taco seasoning and tomato sauces. The combination is placed in taco shells and baked with cheese on top for a delectable treat.
Can you customize spaghetti tacos?
Absolutely! You can easily customize spaghetti tacos based on personal preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand. Unique toppings and variations make this dish adaptable for everyone.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the spaghetti filling and using new taco shells when serving again.
Spaghetti Tacos
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large sauté pan
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 6 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles broken in half
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 oz mild taco seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies drained
- 1 3/4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 10 count Old El Paso stand and stuff taco shells
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the grease.
- Add water and taco seasoning to the beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and Rotel tomatoes, mixing thoroughly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, mixing until well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese until melted.
- Place taco shells in a 9×13 inch baking dish and fill them with the spaghetti mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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