Italian Fiesta Tacos
Transform your taco night into a delightful Italian feast with these Italian Fiesta Tacos! Inspired by the iconic iCarly episode, this fun twist on traditional tacos features seasoned ground beef or turkey mixed with hearty spaghetti and rich spaghetti sauce. Together, they create a deliciously satisfying meal that's sure to please both kids and adults alike. A perfect choice for lunch or snacks, these tacos are not only easy to make but encourage creativity in the kitchen. Top them off with all your favorite toppings, and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors that brings the best of both worlds to the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
1 lb (Brown in a skillet until no longer pink.)
Taco Seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) packet (Add to the cooked meat.)
Water
1 cup (Add to the skillet with seasoning.)
Spaghetti Sauce
1 (26 ounce) jar (Add to the meat and warm through.)
Spaghetti Noodles
1 (8 ounce) box (Cook according to package directions, then drain.)
Hard Taco Shells
12 shells (Use for serving.)
Salsa
to taste (Optional topping.)
Cheddar Cheese
to taste (Shredded, for optional topping.)
Lettuce
to taste (Shredded, for optional topping.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and return them to the pot.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
3
Stir in the taco seasoning and add 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4
Next, add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the meat mixture and cook until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
5
Combine the meat and sauce mixture with the drained spaghetti noodles in the pot, mixing well to combine everything evenly.
6
To assemble your Italian Fiesta Tacos, take a hard taco shell and start with a spoonful of salsa at the bottom for an extra kick. Follow it with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Finally, fill the shell generously with the spaghetti mixture. Top with shredded lettuce if desired.
7
Serve immediately with additional salsa and cheese on the side for guests to customize their tacos!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Fiesta Tacos?
They are a creative fusion of seasoned ground meat, spaghetti, and rich sauce served inside hard taco shells.
What television show inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the iconic iCarly episode featuring spaghetti tacos.
What type of meat can be used in this dish?
You can use either one pound of ground beef or ground turkey.
How long does it take to cook the ground meat?
The meat should be browned in a skillet for about 6-8 minutes until it is no longer pink.
How much taco seasoning is required?
The recipe calls for one 1.25-ounce packet of taco seasoning.
Why is water added to the meat mixture?
Water is added along with the seasoning to help create a sauce that coats the meat evenly.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
It should simmer for 5-6 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
When do I add the spaghetti sauce?
Add the jar of spaghetti sauce after the meat and taco seasoning have finished simmering.
How long should the spaghetti sauce be heated?
Warm the sauce through with the meat mixture for about 3-4 minutes.
How much spaghetti sauce is used?
The recipe uses one 26-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce.
What type of noodles are needed for Italian Fiesta Tacos?
Standard spaghetti noodles are used for this recipe.
How much spaghetti should I cook?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce box of spaghetti noodles.
Should the spaghetti be drained?
Yes, cook the noodles according to package instructions and then drain them before mixing with the sauce.
How many taco shells does this recipe provide for?
The recipe is designed to fill 12 hard taco shells.
What is the first step in assembling the tacos?
Start with a spoonful of salsa at the bottom of the hard taco shell for an extra kick.
What is the second layer when assembling?
Follow the salsa with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Where does the spaghetti go in the shell?
The spaghetti and meat mixture is filled generously into the shell on top of the cheese and salsa.
Is lettuce recommended for this recipe?
Yes, you can top the tacos with shredded lettuce if desired.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Cheddar cheese is recommended for its flavor and melting qualities.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely; the recipe encourages creativity and serving additional salsa and cheese on the side for customization.
Should these be served hot?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the tacos immediately after assembly.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is specifically described as a fun twist that is sure to please both kids and adults.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, these tacos are a perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or snacks.
Is this a messy food?
Yes, 'messy food' is one of the tags associated with this fun recipe.
How difficult is this recipe to prepare?
The recipe is classified as an easy dinner and a family-friendly meal.
What makes this 'Italian'?
The use of spaghetti noodles and Italian-style spaghetti sauce gives it an Italian twist.
What makes this a 'Fiesta'?
The inclusion of taco seasoning, salsa, and taco shells provides the fiesta or taco element.
Can I use ground chicken?
While the recipe specifies beef or turkey, ground chicken could easily be substituted.
Do I need a large pot?
You will need a skillet for the meat and a pot large enough to cook and mix the spaghetti.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional toppings like lettuce and salsa.