Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef

I’ve combined two beloved classics—spaghetti and tacos—into one deliciously quirky and fun meal: spaghetti tacos with ground beef. Crunchy taco shells filled with saucy spaghetti and seasoned beef make for a handheld dinner that’s flavorful, satisfying, and totally unexpected.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together the comfort of spaghetti and the crunch of a taco shell in every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners, especially when I want to shake things up. Plus, it’s customizable, easy to make, and always a conversation starter at the table.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef

• spaghetti noodles

• pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite tomato-based sauce)

• taco seasoning (optional for a spiced twist)

• garlic, minced

• onion, finely chopped

• olive oil

• salt and pepper

• taco shells (hard shells or soft tortillas)

• shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

• optional toppings: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, grated cheese

directions

1. I cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.

3. I add ground beef, season with salt and pepper (and taco seasoning if using), and cook until fully browned.

4. I stir in the pasta sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

5. I add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly with the beef and sauce.

6. I warm the taco shells according to package instructions.

7. I fill each taco shell with a generous portion of the spaghetti-beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese and any desired extras.

8. I serve immediately while the shells are still crisp.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 8–10 spaghetti tacos

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.

• I add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.

• I drizzle with ranch or garlic sauce for added flavor.

• I use flavored taco shells like nacho cheese or spicy versions for more kick.

storage/reheating

I store the spaghetti and beef mixture separately from the taco shells in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the filling in a skillet or microwave and refill fresh taco shells when ready to serve to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of pasta?

Yes, I usually stick to spaghetti, but linguine or angel hair works too—whatever fits best in the taco shell.

Do the taco shells get soggy?

They stay crisp if I serve them immediately after filling. I avoid letting them sit too long with the sauce inside.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very much so. It’s fun, familiar, and easy to eat, especially if I skip the spicy toppings for younger eaters.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. I swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or just use the pasta and sauce with added veggies.

What cheese is best for topping?

Mozzarella melts well, while Parmesan adds a salty finish. I also like using a pizza blend or even shredded cheddar for a twist.

Conclusion

Spaghetti tacos with ground beef are a fun fusion that never fails to bring smiles. I love how easy they are to make and how they turn a basic dinner into something creative and delicious. Whether I’m feeding kids, teens, or adults, they always go fast.