Inspired by the kids’ TV show iCarly, these Baked Spaghetti Tacos are so easy to make and kids (and adults!) go crazy for them!
Oven Baked Spaghetti Tacos
I’ll hang my head in shame for this one because it’s sooooo based off of a kid show, iCarly. I know, I know!! Did you know that our little guy is not the first time I’ve struggled with Hyperemesis? In fact, our second child it was even worse if you can believe that.
The times that I was at home and not in the hospital I would lay in bed or on the couch and our oldest would watch iCarly while I threw my guts up. I felt horribly guilty and cried a lot over the fact that I was not being there for her. She didn’t mind, she thought is was hilarious that Carly and her brother would make spaghetti tacos so years later I felt inspired to make baked spaghetti tacos and let her know how much her patience through two pregnancies has meant to us.
What’s Needed for Spaghetti Tacos?
These oven baked tacos are so simple to make despite being all homemade! Here’s what you’ll need to make copycat iCarly spaghetti tacos:
- Corn tortillas
- Canola oil
- Salt
- Spaghetti sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Spaghetti Tacos
Start out by frying up some corn tortillas. You’ll want canola oil in a pan, cook the tortilla a few second on each side and then, using tongs pinch each side together to form a taco shell. Cook until browned and crunchy on one side, flip and to the same on the other. Finally hold the shell on its bottom for a few seconds to crisp it up and help it hold its shape. Place on a napkin lined plate and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat until you’ve got all of your tacos made.
Now, cook up your sauce with or without a little ground beef or sausage, or we prefer a combination. If you haven’t noticed, I’m all about making this your own meal so you choose: marinara, spaghetti sauce, vegetarian or meat eaters, sweet or spicy, it really doesn’t matter at all.
Now you just load up those fresh fried tortillas with your saucy spaghetti, add a little extra sauce on top to help everything stay moist and top with cheese (mozzarella was our choice but you can do anything). After baking the tortillas, they end up golden and crunchy on the ends and the insides are flavored with the sauce which is wonderful. Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese and parsley and dig in!
Can I Make Spaghetti Tacos Vegetarian?
Of course! You’re welcome to use any spaghetti sauce you’d like. You can easily make baked spaghetti tacos with a meaty bolognese or a vegetarian marinara sauce.
Can I Meal Prep Spaghetti Tacos?
No, these baked spaghetti tacos are best the day they’re made since the taco shells become soft over time. However, you can make the spaghetti sauce beforehand and even toss it with the cooked pasta up to a day in advance. Then, all you have to do for dinner the next night is make the taco shells, stuff them, and bake!
Tips for Making Spaghetti Tacos
The key to spaghetti tacos is to make everything yourself. It’s such a simple dish that if you go with all store-bought it ends up a little bland and lacking in real flavor and texture. However, if you must buy something let it be a good quality spaghetti sauce and then doctor it up with some fresh garlic, herbs and even throw in a little parmesan cheese to really give it oomph.
Also note that spaghetti or a slightly thicker, long pasta is best for this kid-friendly dinner idea. If you use angel hair pasta or something similar, the noodles won’t hold up to the sauce and your spaghetti tacos will be a total mess.
This is a very flexible recipe, so feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit what you have on hand. You can use another type of pasta, a different sauce, various cheeses, and so forth.
More DINNER IDEAS FOR KIDS:
- Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
- Quick and Easy 15-Minute Chicken Stir Fry
- Best Sloppy Joes
- Easy Asian Orange Chicken
- The Ultimate Cheeseburger Soup
- Healthy One-Pot Chili Macaroni
- Quick and Easy Cornflake Ranch Chicken
- One-Skillet Enchilada Ground Beef Casserole
- Ham and Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Baked Spaghetti Tacos
Baked Spaghetti Tacos
Description
Ingredients
- 8 Corn Tortillas
- Canola oil , , for frying
- Salt
- [Homemade Spaghetti Sauce] , *
- 1 Handful Spaghetti
- 1 1/2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, , shredded
- 1-2 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley, , chopped
Instructions
- In a tall lipped skillet over medium high heat, add 1 inch of canola oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add one tortilla at a time, cooking for a few seconds on each side, pinch two sides together with tongs to form a shell and cook on one side for about 30 seconds or until crisp. Flip to the other side to repeat and end by frying the bottom to create a base for a taco shell to stand up.
- Place on a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with salt and repeat with remaining shells.
- In a sauce pan, make the spaghetti sauce.
- Break the spaghetti in half. In another pot, cook the spaghetti until almost al dente.
- Spray an 8x9-inch pan with nonstick spray and line with taco shells.
- Toss the spaghetti in the sauce and stuff each shell, then top with a little more of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Gwennie
*laughs* I have actually tried a simple version of this since yes…thanks to my son I’ve seen the show too. But will have to try this as it looks worlds better than mine!
Sweet Basil
Lol! I love that so many of us have in fact seen the show!
cookbook queen
My son used to LOVE iCarly…as soon as I saw this post I thought of it. Such a fun memory and yours look so good!