Spaghetti Tacos Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic comfort food, then you absolutely must try this Spaghetti Tacos Recipe. It’s one of those meals that brings the best of both worlds—hearty spaghetti and the hand-held joy of tacos—into one delicious bite. When I first discovered this quirky combination, it quickly became a family favorite for movie nights and casual get-togethers. Stick around, and I’ll show you how to make these cheesy, beefy, and totally crave-worthy spaghetti tacos that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spaghetti Tacos Recipe really lies in the balance between seasoned meatballs and perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in marinara. I like to use freshly grated Parmesan on top for that salty punch, but don’t worry if you only have the powdered kind—the recipe calls for both!

• Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 for juicy, flavorful meatballs that don’t dry out.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep your meatballs from falling apart.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: Adds texture and helps keep the meatballs moist.
• Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese: Using the powdery Parmesan in the mixture and some fresh for topping really boosts the flavor.
• Mild Taco Seasoning: This is key for that taco flavor we all love without overpowering the pasta.
• Garlic Salt: A simple way to enhance all the savory elements.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and depth.
• Thin Spaghetti Pasta: Breaking it in half makes it easier to fit into the tortillas and handle.
• Favorite Marinara Sauce: Choose a good quality one you love—this binds it all deliciously together.
• Medium Flour Tortillas: Soft but sturdy enough to hold the spaghetti and meatballs.
• Olive or Canola Oil: For lightly crisping the tortillas, enhancing texture and flavor.
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese: For topping—adds a lovely fresh, cheesy finish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the whole dish with a herby pop.
• Roma Tomatoes and White Onion: Diced and sprinkled on top to give freshness and crunch.

Variations

One thing I love about this Spaghetti Tacos Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve experimented by switching up the meat and toppings, and I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you want to keep it classic or spice things up, the sky’s the limit.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: I swapped beef for turkey once for a lighter version and it was still fantastic—just add a little extra seasoning to keep it flavorful.
• Spicy Taco Seasoning: If you love heat, add jalapeños or switch to a hotter seasoning blend—my friends who like spice always request this variation!
• Gluten-Free Tortillas: Works great for those with dietary restrictions. Just watch the tortilla softness—some brands crisp up differently.
• Vegetarian: Try substituting the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or roasted mushrooms to keep that “meaty” feel.

How to Make Spaghetti Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, Italian bread crumbs, taco seasoning, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, garlic salt, and freshly ground pepper until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat or your meatballs will turn tough—gentle mixing is key. Then, scoop out the mixture and roll into small balls about 1½ inches in diameter. I like small meatballs here because they cook evenly and fit nicely inside tortillas.

Step 2: Bake Your Meatballs

Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until cooked through. Keep an eye on smaller meatballs because they’ll cook faster–less time means juicier results. Once done, blot them gently with paper towels to remove excess grease. This little step makes the final dish less oily and keeps your tacos tasting fresh.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and break the thin spaghetti in half before adding it. Cooking it al dente (a minute or two less than package instructions) prevents mushiness once mixed with the sauce and meatballs. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot — you’ll toss it with sauce next, so no rinsing here!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce & Meatballs

Add your favorite marinara sauce, the baked meatballs, and another ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan to the pot with spaghetti. Gently fold everything with a large spoon, being careful not to break up those beautifully baked meatballs. Keep it warm on low heat while you prepare the tortillas.

Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive or canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly crisp the flour tortillas on each side—just enough to give them a bit of structure but still flexible to fold. Trust me, this little extra step elevates the texture and keeps your taco from falling apart while eating.

Step 6: Assemble & Serve

Spoon a generous amount of spaghetti and meatballs onto each tortilla. Top with fresh grated Parmesan, diced tomatoes, finely chopped white onion, and cilantro. If you like, add a little extra black pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch. Then, dig in—be warned, it’s delightfully messy but so worth it!

How to Serve Spaghetti Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish these fun tacos with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan because it melts just a little and adds such a nice sharpness. Diced Roma tomatoes add juicy freshness, and the crisp onion offers a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro isn’t just for color—it gives a lovely, herbaceous pop that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

We usually keep it simple with a light side salad or some garlic bread to soak up any extra marinara. Sometimes I make roasted vegetables on the side to balance out the meal—think roasted zucchini or bell peppers—they pair beautifully with the taco flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or kid parties, try serving these spaghetti tacos in a decorative taco holder or even inside small muffin tins to keep them upright. You can also let everyone assemble their own at the table—this taco bar style is always a hit and sparks creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover meatballs and spaghetti combined in an airtight container in the fridge, and tortillas separately wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to maintain softness. That way, nothing gets soggy overnight and everything reheats more evenly.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked meatballs on their own before adding to pasta—just flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. I recommend freezing pasta with sauce only if you plan to reheat gently because spaghetti can get mushy after thawing, but it works fine in a pinch.

Reheating

Reheat spaghetti and meatballs over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or extra marinara to keep things saucy. Heat tortillas separately in a hot skillet for a few seconds each side to refresh their softness and prevent toughness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Tacos Recipe is one of those joyful meals that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Whether it’s the fun of eating a taco filled with spaghetti or the comforting familiarity of meatballs in marinara, it hits the spot. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a clever way to bring everyone together around the table. So next time you want to shake up dinner, give this a try—you won’t regret it!

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