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Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef

Spaghetti Tacos with Ground Beef is a fun, flavorful fusion dish that combines classic spaghetti with crunchy taco shells filled with savory ground beef and tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (marinara or spaghetti sauce)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning)
  • 8 hard-shell taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Optional Extras

  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 12 jalapeños, diced
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Begin by boiling spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the filling.
  2. Prepare the ground beef filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. Combine spaghetti and beef sauce: Mix the cooked spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the savory mixture.
  4. Assemble the tacos: Warm the taco shells as directed on the package. Then, carefully spoon the spaghetti and ground beef mixture into each shell, filling them generously but not overstuffing.
  5. Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each taco and place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Add any optional garnishes like chopped onions or jalapeños if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the filling light.
  • Drain spaghetti thoroughly to avoid soggy taco shells.
  • Avoid overfilling taco shells to prevent breakage and ensure easy eating.
  • Warm taco shells before filling to make them flexible and less likely to crack.
  • Prepare the filling in advance and assemble tacos just before serving to keep them fresh and delicious.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti tacos, ground beef tacos, fun dinner, easy weeknight meal, kid-friendly dinner, fusion recipe, Italian taco fusion