Name: Spaghetti Tacos: The Ultimate Fusion Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
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 Old El Paso stand and stuff taco shells

Spaghetti tacos combine two beloved comfort foods into one fun, delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners. This creative dish features seasoned ground beef and spaghetti nestled in crispy taco shells, topped with melty cheese for an unforgettable taste experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crowd-pleasing recipe brings together the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines in a way that will delight both kids and adults. The combination of tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and crispy taco shells creates a perfect texture contrast that makes every bite exciting. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, the presentation is fun and unique – perfect for breaking out of your dinner routine and creating memorable meals that everyone will talk about.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti noodles serve as the unexpected base of this fusion dish. When broken in half, they fit perfectly inside the taco shells and absorb all the delicious taco flavors. Cook them just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the final dish.
Lean ground beef provides hearty protein and the classic taco flavor foundation. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Water helps dissolve and distribute the taco seasoning evenly throughout the meat mixture without making it too dry.
Taco seasoning infuses the dish with authentic Mexican flavor. The store-bought packet is convenient, but you can easily make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika if you prefer to control the ingredients.
Tomato sauce adds moisture and a rich tomato flavor that binds the filling together. It helps coat the spaghetti evenly with flavor and creates the perfect saucy consistency.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies bring a pleasant tang and mild heat to the dish. The green chilies add just enough spice without overwhelming the palate, while the tomatoes contribute additional moisture and texture.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully both in the filling and on top of the tacos. The combination of cheeses (typically cheddar, monterey jack, and others) adds creaminess and that satisfying cheese pull when you take a bite.
Taco shells provide the crispy vessel that holds all the delicious filling. The stand and stuff variety are wider than regular taco shells, making them perfect for holding the spaghetti mixture without falling apart.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, breaking the noodles in half before cooking. Once done, drain thoroughly.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Add the water and taco seasoning to the cooked beef, stirring well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the tomato sauce until well combined. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and mix until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, distributing them throughout the mixture.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheese until it melts into the warm spaghetti mixture.
Arrange the taco shells in a 9×13 inch baking dish, standing them up. Carefully fill each shell with the spaghetti mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese over the filled tacos and bake for 4-6 minutes, just until the cheese melts completely.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while the shells are still crispy and the filling is hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 5 servings (2 tacos per serving). The preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, with cooking time around 25 minutes, for a total time of 35 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, making it a reasonable main dish option when paired with lighter sides.

Variations

Vegetarian Spaghetti Tacos: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of black beans and corn for a vegetarian option.
Chicken Spaghetti Tacos: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Spicy Spaghetti Tacos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for those who enjoy more heat.
Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese instead of Mexican blend and add olives and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.
Breakfast Spaghetti Tacos: Add scrambled eggs to the mixture and top with avocado for a fun breakfast-for-dinner option.
Seafood Version: Replace beef with seasoned cooked shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.

Storage/Reheating

The spaghetti filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, once assembled, spaghetti tacos don’t store well as the shells will become soggy.
For best results, store the spaghetti filling separately from the taco shells. When ready to eat, reheat the filling in a microwave until hot (about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through) or in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat fresh taco shells according to package directions and then assemble just before serving.
If you need to freeze the dish, freeze only the spaghetti filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling with fresh taco shells.

FAQs

Can I make the spaghetti filling ahead of time?

Yes, the spaghetti filling can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the filling and assemble the tacos with fresh shells just before serving for the best texture.

How do I prevent the taco shells from getting soggy?

To keep taco shells crispy, avoid assembling them too far in advance. You can also brush the inside of the shells with a little olive oil and heat them in the oven for 2-3 minutes before filling to create a moisture barrier.

Can I use regular taco shells instead of the stand and stuff variety?

Yes, regular taco shells will work, but they may be harder to fill and won’t hold as much of the spaghetti mixture. You might need to break the spaghetti into smaller pieces for regular shells.

What sides go well with spaghetti tacos?

Simple sides work best: a green salad, Mexican street corn, refried beans, or a light guacamole complement these tacos without overwhelming the meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and check that your taco seasoning and shells are certified gluten-free (or use corn tortillas heated until crisp).

Can I use leftover spaghetti for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover plain spaghetti works perfectly. Simply add it to the seasoned beef mixture and continue with the recipe as directed.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love this fun combination of two favorite foods. For pickier eaters, you can reduce or omit the green chilies and adjust the seasoning to be milder.

How do you eat spaghetti tacos without making a mess?

These are admittedly messy to eat! Serve with plenty of napkins and consider using small plates with raised edges to catch any falling filling. Some people find it easier to eat them with a fork after breaking up the shell a bit.

Can I add vegetables to make this healthier?

Certainly! Consider adding finely diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the beef as it cooks. You could also mix in some fresh spinach just before removing the filling from heat.

Where did spaghetti tacos originate?

Spaghetti tacos gained popularity after appearing on the Nickelodeon show “iCarly” in the late 2000s. The fictional dish became a real-world trend, with families across America trying this creative food mashup.

Conclusion

Spaghetti tacos represent the perfect fusion of comfort foods that brings excitement to the dinner table. This playful dish combines familiar flavors in an unexpected way that’s sure to create memorable meals. While untraditional, the combination of Italian and Mexican elements works surprisingly well together, creating a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re looking to break out of a dinner rut, please picky eaters, or simply try something new and fun, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The next time you can’t decide between pasta or tacos, remember you don’t have to choose—spaghetti tacos give you the best of both worlds in one delicious package.