If you have ever wondered what happens when classic Italian flavors meet the fun, hand-held convenience of tacos, you’re in for a real treat with the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe. This inventive dish takes tender spaghetti strands swimming in a rich, savory tomato and beef sauce, and nests them inside crispy taco shells, then tops it all off with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect harmony of comfort food and playful presentation—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers, bringing smiles and full bellies around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the hearty ground beef to the special seasoning blends, every element is essential for crafting that unforgettable taste.
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef: Provides juicy, flavorful protein while keeping the tacos tender and satisfying.
- 1½ tablespoons Garlic Garlic™ Seasoning: Adds a savory, aromatic kick to enhance the meaty base.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, tangy foundation for the sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons Mama Mia™ Marinara Sauce Mix: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian herbs and spices for that authentic marinara taste.
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta: The star of the show, providing just the right texture and shape to tuck inside the taco shells.
- 12 stand ‘n stuff hard taco shells: Offer a crisp, sturdy vessel that holds the spaghetti filling without sogginess.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the tacos, lending a creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
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 your ground beef along with the Garlic Garlic Seasoning. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This step is crucial to building depth of flavor, so be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
To that browned beef, add the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let it cook slowly for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This slow simmer is what makes your sauce shine with authentic Italian flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well so it’s ready to combine with your savory sauce.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Return the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and the combination is well mixed. This makes sure every bite delivers that classic spaghetti goodness infused with meaty tomato sauce.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Now for the fun part! Spoon generous portions of the spaghetti and sauce mixture into each hard taco shell. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, letting its creamy texture provide the perfect finishing touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos warm, ideally with a fresh garden salad or your favorite sides. This dish is all about playful comfort and sharing a smile around the table.
How to Serve Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your spaghetti tacos with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of savory goodness. Don’t forget a small drizzle of olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like things with a little heat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe with a crisp garden salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks also make wonderful accompaniments and keep the Italian theme alive. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add a nutritious crunch without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your spaghetti tacos the star of the party by serving them in taco holders or arranging them neatly on a vibrant platter. For a kid-friendly twist, toss in extra pepperoni slices or olives on top. You can also miniaturize the recipe with small taco shells to create bite-sized appetizers perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe, transfer the spaghetti meat mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate. The taco shells are best stored separately to avoid sogginess. Properly stored, the sauce and spaghetti will keep fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture before assembling the tacos. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and it will last up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the stored spaghetti and sauce on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Once heated, fill fresh taco shells and top with cheese as before for an almost-as-good-as-new experience.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will still taste delicious when paired with the Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat.
What if I don’t have Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix?
If you can’t find the Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix, substitute with your favorite marinara sauce or a mix of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder to capture similar flavors.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version of the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe that still feels satisfying and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free spaghetti and hard taco shells. Just double-check labels to ensure all your seasonings and mixes are gluten-free as well.
How spicy is the dish?
The Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe has a mild flavor profile, thanks to the seasoning mix and marinara sauce. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe that combines the cozy familiarity of spaghetti with the playful crunch of a taco shell. It’s a conversation starter, a family favorite, and a meal that brings everyone together with smiles and full hearts. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mama Mia Spaghetti Tacos combine the comforting flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce with the fun crunch of hard taco shells, creating a unique and family-friendly meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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 Assembly
- 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 being greasy.
- Make Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and Mama Mia Marinara Sauce Mix to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, prepare the spaghetti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti well to remove excess water.
- Combine: Stir the cooked spaghetti into the meat sauce mixture in the skillet until evenly coated and combined.
- Assemble Tacos: Divide the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture evenly among the stand ‘n stuff hard taco shells. Top each taco generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti tacos immediately, optionally alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this delicious twist on classic tacos and spaghetti!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any other pasta shape if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- To melt cheese faster, place the assembled tacos briefly under a broiler or microwave just before serving.
- Leftover spaghetti taco mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
