If you are looking for a fun twist on two classic favorites, look no further than the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe. This delightful dish brings the comforting flavors of hearty spaghetti and rich marinara sauce into crispy taco shells, creating an unexpectedly amazing combination that is sure to wow your family and friends. It’s perfect for a casual dinner that feels special, blending textures and tastes in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe lies in keeping things simple yet flavorful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a balanced meal, from the savory ground beef to the zesty marinara sauce mix. With familiar pantry staples combined with a few special touches, you’ll have a meal that impresses without any fuss.
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base and rich flavor.
- 1½ tablespoons Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning: Adds a wonderful garlicky depth that elevates the meat.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Acts as the luscious, saucy backbone of the dish.
- 4 tablespoons Mama Mia™ Marinara Sauce Mix: Infuses the sauce with authentic Italian herb goodness.
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta: The classic comfort pasta that perfectly holds the sauce.
- 12 stand ‘n stuff hard taco shells: Crispy containers that bring a playful crunch to every bite.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top for a creamy, cheesy finish.
How to Make Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle in Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning. Cook and crumble the meat until it is no longer pink, making sure to break up any large chunks. Once cooked, drain excess fat so your tacos are flavorful but not greasy.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
To the skillet with your browned beef, pour in the crushed tomatoes and the Mama Mia™ Marinara Sauce Mix. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let your sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing those Italian herbs to fully mingle with the rich tomato and beef.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, boil your spaghetti according to package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the noodles well so they don’t dilute your sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked spaghetti right into your meat sauce. Mix until the strands are completely coated, ensuring you get that perfect blend of saucy, meaty goodness in every forkful.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Grab your crunchy taco shells and carefully spoon the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into each one. Don’t be shy—pile it high! Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top for that irresistible cheesiness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delightful Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos immediately so the shells stay crisp and the cheese melts slightly from the warm filling. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles around your dinner table.
How to Serve Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich flavors. You can also offer a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat or a light drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Side Dishes
To complement the texture and flavor of the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe, consider a crisp garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables. These sides add refreshing crunch and nutrition, balancing the indulgent tacos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual gathering, serve your spaghetti tacos on a tray lined with parchment paper alongside small bowls of extra cheese, olives, and jalapeños so everyone can customize their own. Alternatively, layer the components buffet-style for a fun taco bar that encourages creative combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover spaghetti taco filling (without the shells) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep taco shells separately at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the shells separately or prepare fresh shells at serving time to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover filling gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible for more even heating and better flavor retention. Then spoon the warmed mixture into fresh or crisped taco shells and top with cheese.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe and offers a leaner alternative. Just adjust seasoning as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.
What if I don’t have Mama Mia™ Marinara Sauce Mix?
If you don’t have the specific sauce mix, feel free to substitute with your favorite Italian seasoning blend combined with some garlic and onion powder for a similar herby kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian version that keeps all of the delicious flavors intact.
How can I make these tacos kid-friendly?
Many kids adore the fun presentation. To make it even more kid-friendly, skip any spicy seasonings and let them add their own cheese and veggies as toppings.
Is it better to use hard or soft taco shells?
Hard taco shells are traditional for this recipe because they hold the saucy spaghetti well and add a delightful crunch. However, soft tortillas work well too if you prefer a softer texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something delightfully unexpected about the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. The blend of Italian-inspired flavors inside crunchy taco shells delivers comfort and novelty in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a requested classic in your home!
Print
Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos are a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos, combining Italian flavors with a Mexican favorite. This easy recipe features seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich marinara sauce tossed with spaghetti and served in crunchy taco shells topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 1½ tablespoons Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons Mama Mia™ Marinara Sauce Mix
Pasta and Toppings
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 12 stand ‘n stuff hard taco shells
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef with the Garlic Garlic Seasoning until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Make Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
- Combine: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the meat sauce mixture in the skillet until the pasta is fully coated and well combined with the sauce and beef.
- Assemble Tacos: Divide the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture evenly among the 12 hard taco shells. Top each taco generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti tacos immediately while warm, pairing nicely with a fresh garden salad on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based mince.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- To melt the cheese quicker, place the assembled tacos under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
