Description
Spaghetti Tacos combine the fun of tacos with the comforting flavors of Italian spaghetti. This unique and delicious recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a savory marinara sauce with ground beef or a vegetarian substitute, nestled inside crispy taco shells and topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a playful family dinner or casual get-together, these tacos bring an exciting twist to traditional pasta night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 200g spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
Toppings and Garnishes
- 6 crispy taco shells
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley
- Sour cream or crushed red pepper flakes (for topping)
Optional Add-ins
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water, then set the spaghetti aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or plant-based substitute, cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently to meld the flavors.
- Combine Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water to ensure every strand is well coated with the sauce.
- Warm Taco Shells: Slightly warm the taco shells to make them pliable yet still crispy. This will help prevent cracking when filling.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the spaghetti mixture into each taco shell carefully to avoid spills.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled tacos. For extra melty cheese, place the 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 or lentils.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to infuse additional flavor.
- Taco seasoning or black beans can be added for a Mexican twist.
- Warming the taco shells makes them easier to fill without breaking.
- Spoon the spaghetti mixture carefully to avoid spills and mess.
- Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency.
