Spaghetti Tacos are the ultimate mash-up of two comfort food favorites—tacos and pasta. This fun and kid-friendly recipe loads crispy taco shells with spaghetti tossed in a taco-seasoned beef and tomato sauce, then tops it all off with gooey melted cheese. It’s a creative, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or parties when you want something easy and entertaining.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines two favorites: tacos + spaghetti
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Kid-friendly dinner idea that’s fun to eat
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Ready in under an hour
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Customizable with different toppings
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Great for weeknight meals, game day, or birthday parties
Ingredients Breakdown
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Spaghetti (8 oz)
Broken in half for easier taco stuffing and bite-sized portions. -
Ground Beef (1 lb)
Provides a hearty base; seasoned with taco spices for bold flavor. -
Taco Seasoning (1 packet)
Adds signature Tex-Mex taste to the beef and sauce. -
Tomato Sauce (8 oz)
Forms the savory base of the spaghetti sauce. -
Rotel Tomatoes (10 oz can, drained)
Adds a touch of spice and texture with diced tomatoes and green chilies. -
Taco Shells (8–10 stand-and-stuff)
Crisp shells that hold the filling upright without tipping over. -
Mexican Cheese Blend (1½ cups)
A melty mix of cheeses for a creamy, flavorful topping.
Tips and Tricks
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Undercook the spaghetti slightly to prevent sogginess when baked
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Use a slotted spoon when filling the taco shells to avoid excess moisture
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Want extra flavor? Add a spoonful of sour cream or guacamole before serving
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Add finely chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef for a veggie boost
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based crumbles
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Spicy twist: Use hot Rotel or add crushed red pepper to the sauce
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Cheesy deluxe: Add a dollop of nacho cheese before baking for even more gooey goodness
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free taco shells and pasta
Pairing Suggestions
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Side salad with ranch dressing
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Mexican street corn or corn salad
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Churros or ice cream tacos for dessert
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A glass of iced tea or fruit punch for a fun family-friendly drink
Storage Instructions
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven or air fryer to preserve crunch—microwaving makes them soft.
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Not freezer-friendly, as taco shells become soggy once thawed.
Popular Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Short pasta like rotini or penne can work too—just keep the texture firm.
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Can I make these in advance?
You can prep the filling in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Do the taco shells stay crunchy?
Yes—brief baking keeps them crisp. Avoid overfilling with wet sauce to maintain texture.
Print
Spaghetti Tacos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 spaghetti tacos 1x
Description
Spaghetti Tacos – A wildly fun mashup of crispy taco shells stuffed with taco-seasoned spaghetti, savory beef, and melty cheese! Kid-approved, party-ready, and packed with comfort food vibes.
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Ingredients
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8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
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10 stand-and-stuff taco shells
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1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add broken spaghetti noodles and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions (they’ll finish in the oven).
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Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains.
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Drain excess fat.
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Stir in taco seasoning and ¼–½ cup water per packet directions.
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Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then stir in tomato sauce.
Step 3: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
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Add cooked spaghetti to the beef and sauce mixture.
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Stir in drained Rotel and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
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Mix well. It should be thick and cohesive—not watery.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Stand taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spoon the spaghetti mixture into each shell, about ¾ full.
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Top each with remaining ½ cup shredded cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
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Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
Notes
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Use a baking rack inside the dish if you want the shells extra crisp on the bottom
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pasta or taco meat
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Kids love helping with assembly—great for a family cooking night
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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