Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe

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If you’ve ever dreamed about merging two of your favorite comfort foods, then this Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe is a must-try. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a cozy bed of seasoned spaghetti, all wrapped up inside warm tortillas. It’s a playful yet hearty dish that brings a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors fused with a fun, taco-inspired presentation. This recipe not only satisfies cravings but also makes mealtimes exciting and memorable, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that combine to create incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role, from the meaty richness of beef to the cheesy tang of Parmesan, ensuring your Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe is nothing short of spectacular.

• 1 lb. ground beef: Provides the hearty base for the savory meatballs.
• 1 large egg: Binds the meat mixture together for tender meatballs.
• ⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps keep meatballs juicy.
• ⅓ cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a rich, umami flavor to the meatballs.
• 2 Tbsp. mild taco seasoning: Gives the meatballs a subtle taco-inspired kick.
• 1 tsp. garlic salt: Enhances overall flavor with a savory punch.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth.
• 1 lb. thin spaghetti pasta: The perfect pasta for wrapping into tacos without bulk.
• 1 jar favorite marinara sauce: Brings classic Italian tomato richness to the dish.
• ⅓ cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Melds the pasta and meatballs beautifully with cheesy goodness.
• 8-10 medium size flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
• 3 Tbsp olive or canola oil: Helps warm the tortillas to that perfect pliability and flavor.
• Fresh Parmesan cheese, for topping: Adds an irresistible finishing touch with its fresh sharpness.
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Brings a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich meatballs.
• 1-2 Roma tomatoes, diced: Offers juicy bursts of sweetness and color.
• ¼ white onion, diced: Adds a gentle crunch and subtle bite for balance.

How to Make Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect temperature to bake your meatballs evenly, sealing in all those wonderful juices while getting a lovely crust on the outside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the egg, Italian bread crumbs, mild taco seasoning, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything until just combined; overmixing could make your meatballs tough, and we want tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Carefully scoop out small portions and roll them into meatballs about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They might shrink a little while cooking, so don’t make them too small at the start!

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Pop the meatballs into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them if your meatballs vary in size; smaller ones might need less time, and larger ones a bit more. When done, blot them gently with paper towels to soak up any excess grease.

Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti

While meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break the thin spaghetti in half for better taco fit, then cook it al dente—just slightly less than package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately transfer back to the pot for saucing.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Meatballs, and Sauce

Add your favorite marinara sauce, the freshly baked meatballs, and the remaining ⅓ cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti. Stir gently so the meatballs stay intact while the pasta soaks in the rich, comforting flavors. Keep this mixture warm for serving.

Step 7: Warm the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas either by briefly placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable or by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven. This step makes them perfect for folding without cracking.

Step 8: Assemble the Tacos

Spoon a generous amount of the spaghetti and meatball mixture into each warm tortilla. Top with freshly grated Parmesan, fresh cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, and bits of diced white onion for a burst of fresh flavor and texture. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh Parmesan cheese on top lightens and sharpens the richness of the meatballs while chopped cilantro infuses a bright herbal note that makes each bite pop. Diced tomatoes and onions contribute fresh juiciness and crunch, creating a balance of textures and flavors in every taco.

Side Dishes

Serve these unique tacos alongside a crisp green salad or crunchy garlic breadsticks to round out the meal. A simple Caesar salad with lemony dressing complements the richness beautifully, while roasted vegetables bring warmth and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, arrange the tacos upright in a taco holder for a party display, or plate them on colorful ceramic dishes for an inviting presentation. You can even serve them buffet-style, letting guests customize with their favorite toppings – it’s perfect for interactive and casual dining experiences.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas separate to avoid sogginess, and reheat them gently before serving to maintain their softness.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs with sauce after cooking for up to 3 months. Pack them in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, freeze the spaghetti and sauce separately from the tortillas and toppings to be added fresh later.

Reheating

Reheat the spaghetti and meatballs over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Gently warm the tortillas on a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven before assembling to keep that just-made softness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well for the meatballs. Just keep an eye on moisture levels, as turkey can dry out more easily, so consider adding a bit more bread crumbs or a touch of olive oil.

Do I have to use flour tortillas?

While flour tortillas are ideal for their softness and flexibility, you can experiment with corn tortillas or even small pita pockets for a different texture and flavor. Just warm them well to prevent cracking.

How spicy is this Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe?

The mild taco seasoning adds just a subtle gentle warmth without overpowering the dish, making it approachable for all palates. You can always adjust by adding extra chili powder if you like more kick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta and sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.

What’s the best way to keep the tacos from getting soggy?

Keeping the spaghetti and meatball mixture and tortillas separate until just before serving is key. Warm the tortillas separately and assemble tacos last minute to maintain their perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this delightful Spaghetti Tacos with Meatballs and Parmesan Recipe soon. It’s such a fun way to bring together flavors and textures everyone loves, wrapped up in an unexpected but utterly delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tacos are sure to become a treasured favorite on your menu!

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