Name: Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Mexican)
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons mild taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 ⅔ cups Kraft grated Parmesan cheese, divided (powdery kind); 1 lb. thin spaghetti pasta; 1 jar favorite marinara sauce; ⅓ cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese (reserved from the 1 ⅔ cups); 8-10 medium size flour tortillas; 3 tablespoons olive or canola oil (or more if needed); Fresh Parmesan cheese, for topping; Fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1-2 Roma tomatoes, diced; ¼ white onion, diced

If you’re looking for a playful twist on a classic comfort food, I’ve got just the thing for you – a Spaghetti Tacos Recipe that’s absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. This recipe brings together two of my family’s all-time favorites – the zesty flavors of tacos and the cozy, saucy goodness of spaghetti – in one fun, handheld meal. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it’s become such a beloved crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. Let me walk you through it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Double Comfort Food Fusion: Combines the hearty flavors of spaghetti meatballs with taco fillings for a unique mashup that’s incredibly satisfying.
Kid-Friendly and Fun: This recipe makes mealtime exciting, especially for kids who love hands-on eating and flavorful dishes.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip this up any night of the week without stress.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding a taco, which has a soft yellow tortilla shell filled with spaghetti noodles mixed with tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and chunks of white cheese. Inside the tortilla is also a brown meatball nestled near the bottom center. In the background, there is another taco on a white plate sprinkled with grated cheese and diced tomatoes. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with scattered bits of grated cheese around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Spaghetti Tacos Recipe come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of savory meatballs, cheesy pasta, and taco-seasoned magic. I always recommend using a good quality marinara sauce since it really makes the flavors pop.

Ground beef: Choose lean for less grease, but some fat adds flavor and keeps meatballs juicy.
Egg: Acts like a binder so your meatballs hold together nicely.
Italian bread crumbs: Helps give your meatballs a tender yet firm texture.
Kraft grated Parmesan cheese: The powdery kind works best here; it adds a salty, cheesy punch to the meatballs and spaghetti.
Mild taco seasoning: This is the secret twist that brings taco flavor into your meatballs.
Garlic salt: Adds subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: For a gentle kick and to balance flavors.
Thin spaghetti pasta: Break it in half for easier eating inside tacos.
Favorite marinara sauce: Choose your go-to brand or homemade for that saucy goodness.
Medium size flour tortillas: Soft but sturdy – the ideal taco shell for holding saucy spaghetti.
Olive or canola oil: For lightly frying the tortillas if you want a slight crisp.
Fresh Parmesan cheese: For topping, it amps up the cheesy factor beautifully.
Fresh cilantro (finely chopped): Adds a burst of fresh herbiness on top.
Roma tomatoes (diced): I love the juicy freshness this brings as a garnish.
White onion (diced): Adds crunch and a mild sharpness to cut through richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Spaghetti Tacos Recipe is—feel free to make it your own! Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that make it just right for different tastes or needs.

Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken: This Lightens up the dish while keeping the flavor solid.
Go veggie: Meatless crumbles or mashed beans work well if you want a vegetarian version.
Spice it up: Add a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
Tortilla alternatives: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-friendly twist, though they are a bit more delicate.

How to Make Spaghetti Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up Your Meatball Magic

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Italian bread crumbs, taco seasoning, ⅓ cup of the grated Parmesan, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I like to use my hands here—it sounds messy, but it really helps to evenly mix everything without overworking the meat. Don’t rush this step; even mixing sets you up for the best meatballs.

Step 2: Roll and Bake Perfect Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, 1 ½-inch diameter balls—little bite-size delights that shrink a bit while cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes, but keep an eye if your meatballs are smaller or bigger—adjust cooking time accordingly. When done, blot them with paper towels to soak up excess grease; this keeps the final dish from feeling too heavy.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right

While your meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break the spaghetti in half first – I learned this trick when I made spaghetti tacos for the first time because it’s way easier to manage inside a tortilla! Cook the pasta according to package directions, but undercook it by 1-2 minutes to keep it al dente and prevent mush in the tacos. Drain and return the spaghetti to the pot.

Step 4: Combine Sauce, Pasta & Meatballs

Add your marinara sauce, the baked meatballs, and another ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan to the spaghetti pot. Gently fold everything together with a large spoon, being careful not to break the meatballs. I like to keep this mixture warm on the stove—just low heat and a splash of water if it gets dry—until you’re ready to fill your tacos.

Step 5: Prepare and Fill Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas by lightly brushing them with olive or canola oil and heating them for a minute or two on a skillet; this adds a touch of crispness and makes them sturdier for holding all that saucy spaghetti. Scoop a generous helping of spaghetti and meatballs into each, then top with fresh Parmesan cheese, chopped cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, and white onion for bursts of freshness and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Spaghetti Tacos Recipe

Perfect Meatball Size: I’ve found that 1 ½-inch diameter meatballs bake evenly and fit nicely inside tortillas without overwhelming the pasta.
Avoid Soggy Tortillas: Lightly frying your tortillas in oil makes them flexible and less prone to tearing when loaded with sauce.
Break Pasta for Easy Eating: Breaking the spaghetti in half before boiling is a game changer—makes the taco less messy and easier to eat.
Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Gently combining meat ingredients keeps meatballs tender instead of dense, which your family will thank you for.

How to Serve Spaghetti Tacos Recipe

Three tacos rest on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. Each taco has a soft, lightly golden corn tortilla folded around layers starting with thin, reddish-brown noodles at the bottom. On top of the noodles are round, brown meatballs. Fresh, diced red tomatoes and small white onion pieces are scattered over the meatballs. Bright green chopped cilantro is sprinkled throughout. A light dusting of fine, white cheese covers the tacos, adding a soft texture contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, and a little bit of diced white onion for crunch. These add freshness and a pop of color, but you can always add your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream if you like it creamy and spicy.

Side Dishes

I usually pair spaghetti tacos with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips with guacamole. A side of Mexican-style street corn (elote) or roasted veggies also goes wonderfully with this meal, balancing out the richness of the meatballs and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to set up a “spaghetti taco bar” with warm tortillas, spaghetti meatballs, different sauces, and lots of toppings like jalapeños, olives, and shredded cheese. Guests enjoy customizing their tacos and it creates a fun, interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover spaghetti and meatballs together in an airtight container in the fridge. The key I learned is to keep tortillas separate to avoid sogginess. That way, you keep your tacos fresh when you’re ready to reheat and assemble later.

Freezing

Frozen leftovers work well if you freeze the meatballs and spaghetti sauce mixture separately from the pasta. When thawing, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it saucy and avoid drying out.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the sauce from sticking and keeps meatballs tender. If needed, I add a bit of water or marinara to rejuvenate the sauce. Tortillas are best warmed separately in a pan or microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Can I make spaghetti tacos without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version. Adjust cooking times as needed for the protein you choose.
What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Lightly frying your tortillas in a bit of oil until they’re warm and pliable helps them hold up to the saucy spaghetti better, preventing sogginess without making them too crispy to fold.
Can I use gluten-free pasta and tortillas for this recipe?

Yes! Just choose your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and tortillas, and follow the same cooking steps. Keep in mind gluten-free pasta can cook faster, so watch it closely to keep it al dente.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure not to overmix the meat with the other ingredients and include a binder like egg and bread crumbs. Rolling the meatballs tightly but gently also helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Tacos Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such a fun, comforting meal that bridges generations—kids love the novelty, and adults appreciate the delicious flavor mashup. If you want a casual, cheerful dinner that invites everyone to smile and dig in, I’m telling you: give this a shot. You might just find it becoming a favorite in your home too!