Description

Spaghetti Tacos combine the fun of crispy taco shells with the comforting flavors of classic spaghetti marinara. This playful fusion dish features al dente spaghetti tossed in a savory marinara sauce with ground beef or a vegetarian alternative, served in crunchy taco shells and topped with melty shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a kid-friendly dinner with a twist.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

200g spaghetti, cooked al dente
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb ground beef or meat substitute (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil and oregano)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings and Garnishes

6 crispy taco shells
1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack)
Sautéed mushrooms or lentils (for vegetarian version)
Jalapeños or hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary (herb-infused)
Taco seasoning or black beans (Mexican twist)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish
Sour cream or crushed red pepper flakes for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Prepare Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or plant-based substitute and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently to meld flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to coat every strand thoroughly.
Warm Taco Shells: Warm taco shells slightly to make them pliable yet crispy. Spoon a generous amount of the spaghetti mixture into each shell carefully to avoid spills.
Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled tacos. For extra melty cheese, place tacos under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute.
Customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.
Use taco seasoning or black beans for a more distinct Mexican flavor twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added freshness and flavor.
Serve with sour cream or crushed red pepper flakes for extra topping options.