This dish combines two favorites: spaghetti and tacos! These big, bold Spaghetti Tacos are a fun and easy meal that’s sure to bring smiles to your table.
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An Unbeatable Food Combo That’s So Much Fun!
Spaghetti night? Love it. Taco night? Um, basically an essential weekly event. But what if you combined both of these beloved classics into one, unforgettable dish? You got it: spaghetti tacos.
That’s what this recipe is all about. It’s quirky, very filling, and surprisingly delicious! This may not be something you make on the regular, but believe me, your family will ask for it again and again. It’s a fun recipe to pull out when you want to change things up and do something different.
Where Did Spaghetti Tacos Come From?
If you’re not sure why on earth I would make spaghetti tacos, I have to say (sadly) that I didn’t come up with the idea myself! It’s been floating around the interwebs for a while, and it was inspired by the Nickelodeon show iCarly, starring a young Miranda Cosgrove as Carly.
In the show, Carly’s older brother can’t decide whether or not to make spaghetti or tacos, so he decides to mash them up, creating “spaghetti tacos.” Not surprisingly, they’re a huge hit with the fictional family. And they’ve become a hit with cooks all over the world, too!
What You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need. It’s easy to see how both spaghetti and tacos come together in this recipe:
- Pasta: Dry spaghetti noodles – you could also do thin spaghetti.
- Italian Sausage: We love making spaghetti with Italian sausage, but ground beef is also great in this recipe.
- Taco Seasoning: You can use homemade, or your favorite store-bought brand, I like this McCormick Taco Seasoning. I buy it in the big jar since we use it weekly!
- Water
- Marinara Sauce: You can use homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store bought version.
- Taco Shells: For this particular taco, I like using Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff Taco Shells. Since they have that nice wide bottom, it makes them much easier to stuff with the spaghetti.
- Tomato: Romas are a great option for spaghetti tacos, because they’re flavorful and not too watery.
- Cheese: Mexican blend cheese, plus shredded parmesan. Yum.
- Parsley: Fresh, minced parsley adds the perfect finishing touch to this fun dinner.
Let’s Make Spaghetti Tacos!
Now for the cooking. This is very straightforward, and older kids can definitely help out with some of the steps:
- Cook the Pasta. To get started, bring a large pot of water to boil, and cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Once it’s done, drain it well.
- Make the Sauce. While your pasta is boiling, set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage, and cook it until it’s done through and no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, followed by the marinara sauce.
- Toss the Pasta in the Sauce. Take your cooked, drained pasta, and add it to your sauce. Toss well to combine the pasta and sauce.
- Make Tacos! Stuff the taco shells with the spaghetti, and top with diced tomato, both cheeses, and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
To make sure your meal is a success, be sure to check out these handy tips. Yep, even spaghetti tacos have some little tips and tricks to master! Here you go:
- Don’t Pre-Assemble: Assemble these tacos as you need them, so the taco shells don’t get soggy.
- Super Cheesy: You can fill the tacos and serve immediately, or place them in a hot oven till the cheese has melted for an extra-cheesy experience.
- The Best Shells: Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff taco shells have flat bottoms, so they are easier to place on a baking sheet or plate and stuff. But you can use any taco shells you like!
What to Serve with Spaghetti Tacos
With pasta, meat, sauce, and toppings, this is basically a meal in one. It does go well with a fresh, crisp side dish, though. Any one of these recipes would work really well:
- Coleslaw: Spicy mango slaw is one our very favorite coleslaw recipes! It’s fresh, fruity, and savory.
- Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad is quick, easy to make, and good for you.
- Dips: Keep the taco night theme going and try out some of my favorite easy dips with tortilla chips on the side or as your appetizer: authentic guacamole or restaurant style salsa.
How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers
The leftover pasta and sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Reheat in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the dish seems dry.
Can I Freeze This?
You could definitely make the sauce ahead of time and freeze it, if you like. Alternatively, freeze the sauce mixed with the pasta. Either way, be sure to cool the food down and pack it into freezer containers, to keep it as fresh as possible and prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Fun Dinner Recipes
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- Pizza Empanadas
- Dorito Taco Salad
- Best Pizza Soup
- Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Quick Pizza Bagels
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
Spaghetti Tacos
Ingredients
- 6 oz uncooked spaghetti
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage, or lean ground beef
- 1 oz package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 ¼ cup marinara sauce
- 1 box Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff taco shells, 10 shells
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced parsley
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Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well before adding to the sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the ground sausage in a large skillet until no longer pink. Add the taco seasoning and water and stir to combine. Stir in the marinara sauce, add the spaghetti, and toss to coat.
- Stuff the shells with the spaghetti and top with tomatoes, Mexican cheese, a sprinkle of parmesan, and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don't Pre-Assemble: Assemble these tacos as you need them, so the taco shells don’t get soggy.
- Super Cheesy: You can fill the tacos and serve immediately, or place them in a hot oven till the cheese has melted for an extra-cheesy experience.
- The Best Shells: Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff taco shells have flat bottoms, so they are easier to place on a baking sheet or plate and stuff. But you can use any taco shells you like!
- Storing: The leftover pasta and sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
- Reheating: Reheat pasta and sauce in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the dish seems dry.
Nutrition
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