I know, I know. You’re sitting there, staring at this post and thinking this recipe is one of those “Oh let’s see how outlandish we can be and create an oddball recipe just to be different.”
Well, it is and it isn’t.
Blame it on Spencer. He’s Carly’s big brother.
Smudge has been relentlessly requesting Spaghetti Tacos ever since she saw the first episode of Nickelodeon’s iCarly. Which means its been, like, 2 years.
And surprisinglly, I think it’s pretty good too.
See Spenser makes it for Carly and her friends and hilarity ensues. He’s even served it on dates. Yeah, he’s a little eccentric.
The other day Smudge had a few of her friends over after one of those all-day playdates that turn into dinner. “How about spaghetti for dinner?” is what I asked. What I heard in return was a symphony of, “SPAGHETTI TACOS!!!!!!”
Seriously? Well, why not? If they can be like their beloved T.V. character, at least it will get them to eat.
I sill love my mom’s spaghetti recipe (or as my sister used to call it BA-sketti) but over the years I’ve adapted it thanks to hours of scoping out Italian cookbooks. Like Kelley’s recent post for Easy Marinara and Flavia’s Sugo di Pomodoro, I like putting a few veggies in my pasta sauce to balance out my addition of ground meat. It gives Smudge something else to focus on avoiding besides the tomato chunks.
And this time I kicked up the healthy points even more by sneaking in grated zucchini.
In my opinion, the beauty of a heavier pasta sauce like this one is that it tastes even better the next day which makes it perfect for a back-to-school Monday dinner. You can let it simmer and have regular spaghetti dinner on Sunday, and add a taco shell or two with the leftovers on Monday.
It’s all about easing into the week.
Dinner is for Kids: Spaghetti Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground hamburger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt plus about 1/8 cup reserved
- 3 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1/2 yellow onion chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 ribs celery chopped
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup low-fat milk
- 2 15- ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 15- ounce cans tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup zucchini grated
- 1/4 cup fresh shredded parmesan or fresh mozzarella
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 12 white corn taco shells
Instructions
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In a dutch oven or a large heavy-bottom sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add hamburger and garlic and cook for 5-8 minutes.
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Add onion, carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes or until onion is transparent.
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Add wine and cook for 4-5 minutes or until cooked down.
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Add milk and cook 4-5 minutes or until cooked down.
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Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, balsamic vinegar and bring to a low boil. Add grated zucchini. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
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About 15 minutes before sauce is done, bring a large stock pot of water to a boil. Add enough salt (about 1/8 cup) to make water taste like the ocean and cook spaghetti noodles until al dente, about 8 -10 minutes. Add noodles to sauce and mix well. Remove from heat.
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Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place taco shells on a baking sheet and toast for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven.
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Fill taco shells with spaghetti noodles and sauce and garnish with cheese.
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Emily says
Okay, we may have to use this in a future Taco Tuesday. Or would it be for Thursketti on Thursday? Now I’m all confused! ;)
heidi says
Oh Em. You are too ironic. Or funny. Or witty. Now I’m confused too.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Such a fun idea!!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
This is so fun!! My girls would totally crack up over this. Will definitely have to try it sometime.
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
I’m SO showing my kids this post! You will be their hero… too freakin’ funny!
Miss McBooty says
So, by “dinner is for kids” you mean “dinner is for BIG kids” right? ;) Looks great!
Alyssa | Queen of Quinoa says
Spaghetti? Yes. Tacos? Yes. Together? Absolutely! Fabulous idea – one that I’m sure the adults in my family would love :)
Susan says
Forget kids…this looks fun for all ages!!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
This recipe reminds me of my husband and his college roommates bachelor style of cooking! Isn’t it weird the similarities between what kids like and what immature men like to cook?!?! I kn
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking says
Oops… I was saying I know what I am going to make the next time they are all in town again! Another great clever recipe Heidi!
Deborah says
Ok, Abbi will go gaga over this. 2 of the foods she will actually eat – wrapped up into one!!
Delishhh says
I would love one of these – one of my favorite foods is spaghetti bolognese and i at LOTS of it while pregnant and still can’t get enough of it! Would love to try this!
Auntiepatch says
My mother started making spaghetti enchiladas with leftover spaghetti in the 50’s. My friends thought it sounded strange until they tasted them! Everybody loved spaghetti enchiladas then and now. I will have to try your tacos now!
heidi says
OMG! Enchiladas? I triple dog dare you! Or maybe I’ll just borrow that idea!
Meg says
My daughter is obsessed with these! We have made a gluten-free version at our house.I can’t wait to show her your post when she gets home from school.
heidi says
Hi Meg, do you adapt it only with gluten-free noodles, or is there another tip to share? THX!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
OK this is too funny! I love it!
Barbara | Creative Culinary says
I have recently realized that a lot of the foods I made when my kids were growing up I’ve quit making since they’ve both graduated from college and are living on their own. I’ve also wondered why? Right now I am craving a hamburger baked bean casserole with mashed potatoes bad!
My youngest daughter is 28…doesn’t matter; she would still LOVE this!
heidi says
I would love to get the recipe for that casserole. Please share!
Hip Foodie Mom says
Love this! And my daughter will love this even more since it was on iCarly! :P thank you!
Davina Sanchez says
I think I might actually try this! Your photos really make it look appetizing!
katie says
I love this idea! We’ve actually had spaghetti sandwiches before…basically a meatball sandwich with some leftover spaghetti thrown in, because I’ve always love scooping spaghetti onto a slice of Italian bread at dinner – so why not a sandwich?
But this taco thing is brillz. We’re big iCarly lovers here and I think I remember that episode. I’m sure my kids will for sure! I also love the sneaky veggies :)
Kathryn says
Hilarious idea, I love that you actually made it for the kids (and probably earned yourself yet more cool mom points!).
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. Ever.
Cookin' Canuck says
What a fun idea! I’ll have to make this for my kids (and I know they’ll want to send thanks to Smudge).
Becky @ Project Domestication says
Love this combo. I love the idea of making Spaghetti on Sunday and these as leftover the next day. WINNER! And of course, gorgeous photos.
kari says
So reminds me of the leftover spaghetti sandwiches that I grew up with. Who doesn’t love spaghetti (not many I would assume). You cannot forget the mayo either, it totally brings it all together.
I love the concept of being able to hold spaghetti in your hand, it could even be spaghetti lettuce wraps drizzled with a ricotta cream sauce-yum!!!
carrian says
haha, peyton would sit with me in the hospital and watch this when I was pregnant. Ok, it only happened three times, but this was the only show on and it kept her out of my cords and distracted. I’ll have to surprise her with these. Actually, I’m kinda excited to do just that!
heidi says
Smudge totally tried to con me into making this. It worked. And she’s happy. Peyton I bet will like it too!
Anna @ hiddenponies says
LOVE these – I could eat spaghetti every day, and in a taco?? Amazing!
Kristen says
Oh we have big iCarly fans around here…. and this is what is going to make you mom of the year. Actually making spaghetti tacos? Brilliant.
heidi says
Kristen and Katie, so glad to hear there are more crazy iCarly followers out there. But the big question is: 1D or Big Time Rush for best boy band? :)
Julia says
My carb lovin’ self is totally ok with these.
Cathy @ Noble Pig says
My kids always wanted spaghetti tacos from iCarly!! Love these…will share on Facebook!
Amber Joy says
My kids have been after me to make Spaghetti Tacos because of iCarly! So glad I found you via Pinterest as this will be Tuesday night’s dinner when I have to feed the babysitting kids too. Should be a hit for all. Thank you!!
Emma says
Nothing new. Here in Mexico, we make pasta and bean tacos. Very thin pasta, maybe like angel hair pasta, just cook it by frying it a little bit and then add some tomate sauce, little bit of onion and pepper, some chicken stock, cook it until its dry(and cooked). Use cooked pinto beans, mix them with the pasta and put in a soft tortilla taco. They are called “tacos de fideo con frijoles”
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293925-d2044621-Reviews-XO_Tours_Vietnam_Motorbike_Tours-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html says
At this time I am ready to do my breakfast, later than having my breakfast coming yet again to read other news.