Mexican Spaghetti is a flavorful pasta dish that merges the richness of traditional Italian spaghetti with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. This Mexican spaghetti recipe features a creamy, cheesy sauce mixed with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Mexican spices. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a unique and delicious dish. With its combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy goodness, Mexican Spaghetti is sure to be a new favorite.
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making Mexican Spaghetti, share some tasty variations, and provide tips to ensure your dish is bursting with flavor every time.
What is Mexican Spaghetti?
Mexican Spaghetti is a unique pasta dish that combines the classic elements of Italian spaghetti with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. The spaghetti is tossed in a savory sauce made from ground beef, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika. This flavorful sauce is then topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, making Mexican Spaghetti an irresistible dish that balances creaminess, spice, and freshness in every bite.
For a different spin on classic pasta with a Mexican twist, try the Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake, which brings together the flavors of a taco in a comforting pasta bake.
Why You Should Try Mexican Spaghetti
Here are some reasons why Mexican Spaghetti should be on your dinner menu:
1. Bold and Zesty Flavors
The combination of Mexican spices, tomatoes, and cheese creates a deliciously bold and zesty flavor profile that stands out from traditional spaghetti dishes.
2. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This Mexican spaghetti recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
3. A Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, Mexican Spaghetti is always a hit. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with a hint of spice is loved by both kids and adults alike.
4. Versatile and Customizable
You can easily customize this Mexican spaghetti recipe by adding vegetables, changing the protein, or adjusting the level of spice to suit your taste preferences.
5. Perfect for Leftovers
Mexican Spaghetti reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Classic Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Here is the classic Mexican Spaghetti recipe that is simple to follow and yields a delicious, comforting dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Mexican Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions to Make Mexican Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Mexican-Style Sauce:
- To the skillet, add the diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Cheese and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Mexican Spaghetti!
Variations of Mexican Spaghetti
One of the great things about Mexican Spaghetti is its versatility. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
1. Chicken Mexican Spaghetti
Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter version of the dish. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth for the sauce.
2. Mexican Spaghetti with Vegetables
Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and bell peppers for the best results.
3. Spicy Mexican Spaghetti
For a spicier version of Mexican spaghetti, use “Hot” Rotel tomatoes and add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference.
4. Mexican Spaghetti with Black Beans
Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the sauce for added protein and fiber. This is a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins.
5. Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti
For a cheesier dish, mix in a cup of shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese into the sauce before baking. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Mexican Spaghetti with Beef Bacon
Add crispy, cooked beef bacon to the dish for a smoky and savory twist. Mix the crumbled bacon into the sauce or sprinkle it on top before baking.
7. Vegetarian Mexican Spaghetti
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more vegetables to the sauce.
Topping Ideas for Mexican Spaghetti
Enhance your Mexican Spaghetti with these delicious toppings:
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy texture.
- Diced Avocado: Fresh diced avocado adds a creamy and cooling contrast to the spicy sauce.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Add some tangy heat with pickled jalapeños.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top provides a cool and creamy complement to the spices.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican Spaghetti
1. Choose the Right Cheese
Using a good melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack ensures a creamy and cheesy topping. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
2. Cook the Pasta Al Dente
To prevent mushy spaghetti, cook the pasta just until it is al dente. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when baked with the sauce, so avoid overcooking it initially.
3. Make It Ahead of Time
You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
Customize the spice level to suit your taste. Add more chili powder or hot sauce for extra heat, or use milder ingredients for a more kid-friendly version.
5. Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste and brightness of the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Mexican Spaghetti
While Mexican Spaghetti is a comfort food, there are ways to make it a bit lighter and healthier:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
- Incorporate More Vegetables: Adding extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers can boost the nutritional content and add more fiber.
- Control Portions: Serve smaller portions with a side salad to balance the meal and add more greens to your diet.
You May Also Like These Recipes
- Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake: A Delicious and Quick Family Meal – Try this easy and cheesy taco pasta bake for a quick family meal that’s full of bold Mexican flavors, just like this Mexican Spaghetti.
- Green Spaghetti: A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Pasta – A vibrant and creamy pasta dish with a unique green sauce made from spinach and poblano peppers. Great for adding a new and colorful pasta to your menu.
- Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel: A Comforting and Cheesy Casserole Recipe – A cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken and a zesty Rotel sauce, offering another delicious spaghetti variation.
Conclusion
Mexican Spaghetti is a flavorful and cheesy pasta dish that brings a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine to your table. With its combination of bold spices, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, Mexican Spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and toppings to create your perfect version of this unique and comforting meal!