Name: Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 8 hard taco shells; 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb (450 g) ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef a fun twist on taco night, these spaghetti tacos bring together two comfort food favorites in one bite. Crispy taco shells hold savory spaghetti and ground beef, topped with gooey melted cheese. I find them perfect for family dinners, parties, or simply when I want to shake up my regular dinner routine.

Ingredients

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

8 hard taco shells

8 oz (225 g) spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, then drain any excess fat.

I stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

I toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated.

I warm the taco shells according to package directions.

I fill each taco shell with the spaghetti and beef mixture, top with shredded mozzarella, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 tacos, which is about 4 servings if I plan for two tacos per person. It takes around 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, giving me a total of 30 minutes. Each taco comes in at roughly 350 calories.

Variations

I like to change things up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Sometimes I mix in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to boost the veggies. For a spicier version, I add crushed red pepper flakes or swap in a spicy marinara. If I want it extra cheesy, I sprinkle Parmesan on top along with mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store the spaghetti mixture separately from the taco shells to keep them from getting soggy. The spaghetti with sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, I warm it on the stove or in the microwave, then assemble fresh tacos with reheated spaghetti.

FAQs

Can I make these spaghetti tacos ahead of time?

I don’t recommend fully assembling them ahead of time since the shells will get soggy, but I do prepare the spaghetti mixture in advance and quickly fill tacos when ready to serve.

What kind of taco shells work best?

I use standard hard taco shells, but I’ve also tried flavored ones like ranch or nacho cheese for extra fun.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, I swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or simply load the sauce with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers.

How do I keep the taco shells from breaking?

I warm them in the oven before filling, which makes them a little more flexible and less likely to crack.

What cheese works best for topping?

I like mozzarella for its meltiness, but cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend also works beautifully.

Conclusion

Spaghetti tacos with ground beef are a playful, delicious way for me to combine two classic comfort foods into one meal. They’re simple, quick to prepare, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether I’m hosting a casual get-together or just want to make weeknight dinner more exciting, this recipe never fails to impress.

Recipe:

Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)
Diet: Halal

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Description

Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef are a fun and flavorful fusion of two classic comfort foods. Crispy taco shells are filled with savory spaghetti tossed in a meaty marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or parties.

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated.
Warm the taco shells according to package directions.
Fill each taco shell with the spaghetti and beef mixture, top with shredded mozzarella, and garnish with parsley before serving.