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Flavorful Spaghetti Tacos with Juicy Meatballs

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A quick and easy recipe combining crispy taco shells filled with saucy spaghetti and juicy meatballs, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 hard shell taco shells
  • A few fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 16-18 total. Wetting your hands slightly helps prevent sticking.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
  5. Pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is warmed. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too much.
  6. Warm taco shells according to package instructions (usually 5 minutes in a 350°F oven or briefly in a dry skillet).
  7. Assemble tacos by filling each shell with about half a cup of spaghetti, then add 2-3 meatballs with sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs first to lock in moisture. Toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil to prevent sticking. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep shells crunchy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and gluten-free taco shells. Vegetarian and vegan versions can use lentil or chickpea balls and vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti tacos, meatballs, easy dinner, quick recipe, family meal, taco Tuesday, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-spaghetti-tacos-with-juicy-meatballs-easy-homemade-recipe/