Spaghetti Tacos Ground Beef

Spaghetti tacos combine the best of two comfort foods into one crave-worthy dinner Mixing saucy spaghetti and flavorful taco beef into crisp taco shells this meal is a huge hit with kids and adults alike It is easy to make ahead and perfect for fun weeknight dinners or casual gatherings

The first time I made these was for a birthday sleepover and there were zero leftovers The crunchy shells and cheesy beef-spaghetti filling are just impossible to resist

Ingredients

• Uncooked spaghetti noodles: Choose standard wheat noodles for that classic Italian bite Break them in half for easier taco stuffing
• Lean ground beef: Opt for 90 percent lean for flavor without excess grease Always brown the meat to build depth
• Water: Needed to dissolve taco seasoning and keep the filling moist during mixing
• Mild taco seasoning: Look for a low-sodium or homemade blend so you control spice levels
• Tomato sauce: Pick a brand with just tomatoes and basic seasonings for a rich easy base
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: This adds tang heat and texture Go for original or mild depending on your preference
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: A combo of cheddar Monterey Jack and asadero gives maximum melt and flavor Freshly shred if possible
• Old El Paso stand and stuff taco shells: These hold the spaghetti filling well and stay crisp after a short bake Always check for any cracked shells in the box

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit so it is hot and ready for the filled tacos This ensures the shells crisp up and the cheese melts perfectly

Boil and Drain the Spaghetti:

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions with a generous pinch of salt in the water Drain thoroughly to avoid watery filling and set aside

Brown and Crumble the Beef:

In a large sauté pan over medium high heat add the ground beef Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks for even browning Cook until no pink remains then drain off any excess grease for a leaner finish

Season the Beef:

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and water Stir constantly until every piece of beef is evenly coated The mixture should smell fragrant and become saucy

Stir in Tomato Sauce:

Turn the heat down to low Add tomato sauce to the seasoned beef mixture Stir well so the beef absorbs the tangy tomato flavors

Combine with Spaghetti:

Add the drained cooked spaghetti into the pan Toss gently until the strands are coated and beef is evenly distributed The noodles should look saucy but not soupy

Add Rotel Tomatoes:

Pour in the drained Rotel and mix until incorporated This brings a kick of heat and texture to the dish

Melt Cheese into the Mixture:

Take the pan off the heat Sprinkle in one and a half cups of shredded cheese and stir until completely melted and creamy This acts as a binder for the filling

Stuff Taco Shells:

Arrange taco shells upright in a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Spoon the hot spaghetti mixture directly into each shell pressing lightly to fill to the top

Top with Extra Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of shredded cheese over each taco so you get a gooey cheesy top after baking

Bake to Finish:

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for four to six minutes Stay close and check often as the cheese should melt completely but the shells should not burn

Serve Immediately:

Take the baking dish out of the oven and use tongs to lift the hot spaghetti tacos onto plates Serve right away while the shells are ultra crisp

One of my favorite things about this dish is how gooey the cheese gets in each shell When my nephew tried these for the first time his amazed face was priceless The Rotel tomatoes always make the filling extra juicy

Storage tips

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days Reheat uncovered on a baking sheet at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for best crispness Never microwave them covered or the shells will get soggy

Ingredient substitutions

Switch ground beef for ground turkey or black beans for a lighter version Swap in gluten free shells and pasta for dietary needs Try cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a bolder flavor

Serving suggestions

Set out bowls of sour cream, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, or extra hot sauce Let everyone top their own taco for dinner table fun Kids especially enjoy building their own plate

Cultural context

Spaghetti tacos first became popular from a kids TV show but now pop up everywhere The mashup of Italian and Mexican flavors is pure comfort food magic and makes any meal a celebration

Seasonal adaptations

In summer use fresh tomatoes and a bit of chopped zucchini or corn for a lighter feel Add extra chili powder or chipotle in winter for warmth Fresh cilantro and lime juice on top add brightness whenever you make them

Helpful notes

Taco shells bake quickly so keep a close eye to avoid burning Letting the beef cool slightly before adding cheese prevents grainy texture Fill shells all the way to the top so each taco holds together better

Success Stories

My friend hosts family game nights and these tacos are always gone in minutes My own kids request this mashup much more than standard tacos or spaghetti leftovers It is now our official Friday night fun dinner

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze prepare the filling and cheese mixture then cool completely Store in a flat freezer bag for up to two months Thaw overnight and stuff into fresh shells before baking for a quick meal

These spaghetti tacos never fail to bring a smile to the table Enjoy experimenting with toppings and flavors—there is plenty of room for fun!

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I keep taco shells crispy?

Bake the filled tacos briefly and serve immediately to keep the shells crisp and delicious.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts smoothly for added flavor variety.

→ Is there a substitute for Rotel tomatoes?

Use regular diced tomatoes with chopped green chilies for a similar taste and texture.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Prepare the filling ahead and assemble the tacos just before baking to ensure freshness.

→ What sides go well with this meal?

Serve with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.