Thank you so much for being here—really. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, who believes food can (and should) be fun, you’re in the right place. Today’s recipe is something I’ve been waiting to share for ages because it’s one of those quirky, joy-inducing dishes that brings the whole family together.
Let’s talk about Spaghetti Tacos—a dish that is, quite frankly, as chaotic as it is genius. I know it sounds like a joke someone made at a party (and honestly, it was made famous on a kids’ sitcom), but once you try them, you’ll wonder why tacos and pasta haven’t always been friends. Right after this header, let’s make it official: Spaghetti Tacos combine the rich comfort of saucy spaghetti with the bold, spicy charm of taco-seasoned beef—all wrapped in a perfectly crunchy taco shell.
If that doesn’t sound like dinner magic, I don’t know what does.
What Are Spaghetti Tacos?
Spaghetti Tacos are exactly what they sound like—hard taco shells filled with a tangle of marinara-coated spaghetti noodles, seasoned taco meat, and gooey melted cheese. They’re then baked until everything is hot, bubbly, and slightly crisp around the edges.
Think of it as an Italian-Mexican-American hybrid that makes no culinary sense but 100% works. This recipe is also a great introduction to the world of food mashups, which are having a moment for good reason. Spaghetti Tacos might sound outrageous, but one bite in and you’ll get it—this is comfort food, reimagined.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, let me say this: Spaghetti Tacos are incredibly easy to make. They don’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just a few basic pantry staples and a willingness to have fun with your food.
Here are a few reasons you’ll come back to this recipe again and again:
- They’re weeknight-friendly: You can have these ready in about 30 minutes, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.
- They’re totally customizable: Want it spicy? Add hot sauce. Vegetarian? Use plant-based ground meat. Need to sneak in veggies? Easy.
- They’re fun to make and eat: Great for getting kids involved or impressing friends with your kitchen creativity.
- They help repurpose leftovers: Got extra pasta or ground beef from another meal? This is a brilliant way to reinvent it.
What Do Spaghetti Tacos Taste Like?
Imagine everything you love about spaghetti night—the rich tomato sauce, the silky noodles, the comforting warmth—combined with the bold, seasoned flavor of taco beef and the sharp edge of melted cheese. Then wrap it all in a crispy taco shell that adds crunch and contrast.
Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture. The sauciness of the spaghetti balances the smoky spice of the beef, while the cheese pulls it together into a savory, melty masterpiece. And the shell? It’s the crunch you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.
Health & Practical Benefits
Aside from being outrageously delicious, Spaghetti Tacos offer a few smart perks for everyday cooking:
- Great use of leftovers: Leftover pasta can easily be transformed into a fresh new meal.
- Built-in portion control: Each taco shell is a perfect serving.
- Freezer-friendly meat: You can prep the taco beef in advance and freeze it for quick weeknight meals.
- Customizable to dietary needs: Easy swaps make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or even dairy-free.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Tacos)
For the Taco Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/3 cup water
For the Spaghetti:
- 6 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- Optional: a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for added flavor
For Assembly:
- 8 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, extra crushed red pepper, hot sauce
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large skillet for browning the meat
- A medium pot for boiling spaghetti
- A mixing bowl for tossing pasta with sauce
- A baking dish or taco rack to hold shells upright
- Oven for melting the cheese and warming everything through
- Tongs or a large spoon for assembling the tacos
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is a dream for experimenting. Here’s how you can make it your own:
Protein swaps:
- Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat.
- Lentils or black beans are great vegetarian options.
Sauce variations:
- Use a spicy arrabbiata for more heat.
- Add a dollop of pesto for an herby twist.
- Swap marinara for a creamy alfredo sauce.
Cheese options:
- Mozzarella melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend are great too.
Veggie upgrades:
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach into the meat or spaghetti.
- Add roasted bell peppers or corn for texture and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Taco Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat, then return to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning and 1/3 cup of water. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti
While the beef simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well, then toss with marinara sauce in a mixing bowl. Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if using. You want the noodles well coated but not drowning in sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place taco shells upright in a baking dish or taco rack. Start by adding a small nest of spaghetti to the bottom of each shell. Next, spoon a layer of taco-seasoned beef over the spaghetti. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the assembled tacos in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are warmed through. Keep an eye on them so the shells don’t get too browned.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley, crushed red pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. Serve warm.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Tacos
Because these tacos are bold on flavor, you’ll want lighter sides to balance the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- Fresh fruit salad
- Garlic breadsticks or soft rolls
If you want to lean into the playful comfort food theme, you’ll love this Macaroni and Cheese Pizza recipe—it’s another delicious mash-up that combines cheesy pasta goodness with everyone’s favorite crust. Or, for an unforgettable appetizer or side, try these gooey Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels.
Tips for Success
- Use a taco rack or line taco shells between balls of foil to keep them upright during baking.
- Don’t overfill the tacos. A modest amount of spaghetti and meat prevents sogginess and keeps things neat.
- Bake just until the cheese melts—too long and the shells might burn.
- Make the meat ahead of time and reheat before assembling to save time.
- Leftover cooked spaghetti works great here—just warm it up slightly before assembling.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store assembled leftover tacos wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed and crisp.
Freezing: The taco meat can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling your tacos.
Spaghetti: Store any extra pasta separately in the fridge and use within 3 days.
Taco shells: Keep unused shells sealed and dry at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free ingredients?
Yes. Just swap in gluten-free spaghetti and taco shells. Be sure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free.
Are these tacos spicy?
Not unless you want them to be. The taco seasoning adds flavor, but you can control the spice level with how much hot sauce or red pepper you add.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based ground meat, or substitute with black beans or lentils sautéed with taco seasoning.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes! Kids love helping stuff the taco shells and sprinkle cheese. Just handle the baking step yourself for safety.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep all the components in advance and assemble just before baking. Assembled tacos are best eaten right away for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Tacos aren’t just a meal—they’re an experience. They combine nostalgia, novelty, and pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving these for a casual weeknight dinner, a kids’ party, or a comfort food binge night, they always get a reaction—and usually a request for seconds.
I’m kicking myself for not having made these sooner. They’re fun, fast, and incredibly satisfying.
If you love bold mash-ups, don’t miss my Macaroni and Cheese Pizza—the kind of dish that breaks every rule in the best way. And for a cheesy twist you’ll want to keep on repeat, these Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels are a soft, salty, molten cheese dream.
Let’s Stay Connected
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your creations! Leave a review, drop a comment, or tag me on Pinterest with your spaghetti taco masterpieces. There’s nothing better than seeing this joyful little recipe come to life in your kitchen.
Nutritional Information (per taco, approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 27g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Spaghetti Tacos: A Crunchy-Cheesy Fusion Recipe That Will Win Over Any Crowd
Description
Spaghetti Tacos are the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy taco shells filled with saucy spaghetti, taco-seasoned beef, and melty cheese. It’s a fun, family-friendly dinner that’s fast to make, endlessly customizable, and totally crave-worthy. Great for busy weeknights or playful weekend meals!
Ingredients
For the Taco Beef:
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/3 cup water
For the Spaghetti:
6 oz spaghetti noodles
1½ cups marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
Optional: pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes
For Assembly:
8 hard taco shells
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Optional toppings: fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, hot sauce
Instructions
Cook the Taco Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Make the Spaghetti: While the beef cooks, boil spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and toss with marinara sauce. Add seasoning or red pepper flakes if using.
Assemble the Tacos: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place taco shells upright in a baking dish or taco rack. Fill each shell with a small portion of sauced spaghetti, followed by a scoop of taco beef. Top with shredded cheese.
Bake and Serve: Bake tacos for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and shells are warm. Garnish with parsley or your favorite toppings. Serve hot!
Notes
For best results, don’t overfill the taco shells—less is more to avoid soggy bottoms.
A taco holder or crumpled foil can help keep shells upright while baking.
Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat if preferred.
This is a fantastic recipe to use up leftover spaghetti—just warm it slightly before assembling.
Kids love this one, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen!
To reheat, pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to keep shells crispy.