Name: Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 hard taco shells; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef Recipe

This recipe brings together two beloved comfort foods into one creative dish that’s both satisfying and fun to eat. It’s easy to make with pantry staples, bakes all in one dish for easy cleanup, and delivers cheesy, savory flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half
lean ground beef
water
mild taco seasoning
tomato sauce
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
shredded Mexican cheese blend
stand and stuff taco shells

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the broken spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Once browned, drain off excess grease.
Add the water and mild taco seasoning to the beef, stirring until the seasoning evenly coats the meat.
Lower the heat and stir in the tomato sauce until well combined.
Add the cooked spaghetti and the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies to the pan and toss together.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in most of the shredded Mexican cheese blend until it melts into the mixture.
Place the taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the spaghetti-beef mixture into each shell.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the filled shells.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 4–6 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and the shells are crisp.

Servings and timing

Serves: about 10 tacos
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra veggies and a bit of heat.
• Try different cheeses such as sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Let leftover filling cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F to help keep the shells crisp—microwaving may soften them.

FAQs

What kind of taco shells should I use?

Stand and stuff taco shells work best because they hold the filling securely and stay crunchy in the oven.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the meat and spaghetti mixture ahead and assemble just before baking to keep shells crisp.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and gluten-free taco shells to adapt this recipe.

How do I prevent soggy taco shells?

Fill and bake the tacos right before serving, and make sure the spaghetti mixture isn’t too watery.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the cooked spaghetti-beef filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months, but shells are best stored separately.

What cheese is best for these tacos?

A Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, but cheddar or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes. Diced bell peppers, spinach, or corn can be added when you mix in the Rotel for extra nutrition.

How spicy is this dish?

Using mild taco seasoning keeps the heat low, but you can choose hot seasoning or add chili flakes for more spice.

What sides go well with spaghetti tacos?

Serve with a crisp green salad, corn salsa, or guacamole for a balanced meal.

Can I use leftover spaghetti?

Yes. Leftover cooked spaghetti can be stirred into the seasoned beef and sauce before filling the shells.

Conclusion

Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef are a delightful and inventive twist on classic taco night. Combining hearty spaghetti and flavorful seasoned beef in crunchy taco shells makes for a meal that’s both playful and deeply satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.