A Creative Fusion of Italian & Mexican Comfort
This Cheesy Spaghetti Tacos Recipe combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the bold flavors of tacos, all baked into crispy shells for a fun, handheld twist. With seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a spicy-sweet tomato sauce—it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, game nights, or anyone who loves to mix cuisines.
A playful, easy-to-make comfort dish that brings pasta and tacos together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🍝 Pasta Meets Tacos: A unique fusion that satisfies two cravings in one bite.
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Mexican cheese blend adds stretchy, melty richness.
- 🥩 Meat Lovers’ Dream: Ground beef seasoned with taco spices delivers bold flavor.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour—ideal for weeknight meals.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect at potlucks, school events, or casual dinners.
Ingredients (Makes 10 tacos):
For the Spaghetti Mixture:
- 170g (6 oz) spaghetti , broken in half (or elbow pasta for easier scooping)
- 450g (1 lb) lean ground beef (or ground turkey, lentils, or vegan crumbles)
- 28g (2 tbsp) mild taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, oregano)
- 120ml (½ cup) water (to mix with seasoning)
- 240ml (1 cup) tomato sauce (or marinara for extra richness)
- 280g (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies , drained (or fresh tomatoes + jalapeños)
- 175g (1½ cups) shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or vegan cheese)
For Assembly:
- 10 stand-and-stuff taco shells (or baked flour tortillas for soft tacos)
- Optional: Sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
Add broken spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes ).
Drain and set aside while preparing the beef mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat , cook ground beef until browned (about 5–7 minutes ).
Break up clumps with a spatula and drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Seasonings & Sauce
Stir in taco seasoning and water , mixing well to coat the meat.
Reduce heat to low and add tomato sauce , stirring until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add drained Rotel tomatoes and cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
Mix until evenly coated in the sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Stuff & Bake the Tacos
Place taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish .
Fill each shell generously with the spaghetti-beef mixture.
Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup cheese over the tops.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes , or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve Hot & Cheesy
Transfer warm tacos to a serving platter.
Garnish with:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
Serve immediately with extra cheese on the side for dipping.
Each bite brings together:
- Spiced, saucy pasta-meat blend
- Crispy, golden taco shell
- Stretchy, melted cheese topping
- And that classic southwestern finish
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Al Dente Pasta: Prevents sogginess and holds up in the taco shells.
- 🧀 Extra Cheese Hack: Stir in cream cheese or mozzarella for a richer sauce.
- 🌶️ Spice Control: Use mild Rotel or omit chilies for a kid-friendly version.
- 🥟 Shell Swap Magic: Try baked flour tortilla bowls or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Assemble unbaked tacos and refrigerate—bake fresh when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with rice, refried beans, or a green salad for a full meal.
- Great with lime wedges, hot sauce, or extra Rotel on the side.
- Ideal for casual get-togethers, movie nights, or school lunches.
Nutritional Information (per taco, makes 10 – approximate):
(With regular beef and cheese – per serving)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
This Spaghetti Tacos Cheesy Oven Bake proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable. With its pasta-meat blend, crispy taco shell, and gooey cheese crown—it’s a must-bake for lovers of bold, fusion-inspired dishes.
