Hey there, pasta lover! If you’re looking for a way to spice up your regular spaghetti routine, then you’ve found the right recipe. Mexican Spaghetti is a flavorful twist on the classic, combining the comforting texture of pasta with vibrant, zesty Mexican-inspired flavors. Think of it as your favorite pasta dish but with a fiesta of bold spices, tomatoes, and a bit of heat. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, yet packed with flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Mexican Spaghetti

This recipe is a game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. It’s flavorful, comforting, and totally satisfying. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Bold Flavors: From the cumin and chili powder to the tangy tomatoes, this spaghetti brings a burst of bold Mexican flavors in every bite. It’s everything you love about pasta, with a spicy twist!

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for those evenings when you don’t have a lot of time to cook but still want something delicious.

One-Pot Wonder: With minimal cleanup, this one-pot dish makes cooking so much easier. No multiple pots to clean up afterward—just cook, serve, and enjoy.

Customizable: You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, depending on your preference. Add some fresh jalapeños or throw in a handful of cheese for extra flavor!

Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect way to introduce a little Mexican flair to your pasta night, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this bold and savory Mexican Spaghetti:

Spaghetti: The classic pasta that forms the base of this dish. Cooked to perfection, it soaks up all the spicy, savory flavors.

Ground Beef or Chicken: Your choice of protein. The meat is seasoned with delicious spices to add that authentic Mexican flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Sautéed until soft, it’s the perfect flavor base.

Garlic: Because no savory dish is complete without garlic! It enhances the overall flavor profile.

Diced Tomatoes: These provide a juicy, tangy base for the sauce, bringing a rich, comforting depth.

Chili Powder: A little kick of spice that gives the dish that classic Mexican heat and flavor.

Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin rounds out the spices and adds a smoky depth to the sauce.

Bell Peppers: For a pop of color and sweetness, bell peppers add a nice contrast to the savory spices.

Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top makes it extra melty and delicious.

Taco Seasoning: For that true Mexican taste! A little taco seasoning goes a long way in this dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Here’s how to make Mexican Spaghetti:

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This creates the flavorful base for your sauce.

Season the Dish: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and taco seasoning, allowing the spices to toast slightly. This helps bring out their natural flavors.

Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes and their juices. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can blend together.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it all together until the pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce. Let it simmer for another few minutes to marry the flavors.

Top with Cheese: If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top and let it melt into the hot pasta for that perfect cheesy finish.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Mexican Spaghetti with a side of sour cream or guacamole, and enjoy the fiesta of flavors in every bite!

How to Serve Mexican Spaghetti

Mexican Spaghetti is great on its own, but here are a few side ideas to make it even more delicious:

Guacamole: Serve a side of creamy guacamole to balance out the spices and add a fresh, cool flavor.

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can help tone down the heat and make each bite extra creamy.

Mexican Rice: Pair it with some fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to mop up the flavorful sauce.

Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for some crunch on the side.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your Mexican Spaghetti:

Adjust the Spice: If you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for kiddos or prefer milder dishes, you can reduce the chili powder or leave it out entirely.

Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use that in place of ground beef for an even quicker meal.

Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use beans (black beans or pinto beans work well) for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A1: Yes! If you don’t have spaghetti, any pasta shape you like will work. Penne or fusilli are great alternatives.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Just omit the meat and use beans or tofu as a protein alternative.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra sauce if needed.

Q4: Can I freeze Mexican Spaghetti?
A4: Yes! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Q6: How do I make it spicier?
A6: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to ramp up the heat. You can also top it with some spicy salsa before serving.

Q7: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A7: Yes! You can stir in some shredded cheese with the pasta for a cheesy, creamy texture throughout the dish.

Q8: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A8: Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker to simmer on low for a few hours.

Q9: How do I know when the pasta is done?
A9: Follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package, and be sure to check for al dente texture. You want it cooked but still firm.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time if needed. You may want to use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Conclusion

And there you have it Mexican Spaghetti that’s bursting with bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s quick, easy, and packed with all the spices and flavors we love in Mexican cuisine. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a fun family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Mexican Spaghetti

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition