Imagine enjoying Mexico’s vibrant flavors in a comforting spaghetti dish. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe has become a hit, with millions watching and giving it 5 stars since 2019. It mixes ground beef, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese with spaghetti for a delicious fiesta in every bite.
This Mexican spaghetti recipe is great for busy families. It’s easy to make and clean up, perfect for weeknight dinners. Learn how to make this easy recipe that will become a favorite in your home.
Table of Contents
Mexican Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking spaghetti
- Large skillet For preparing the sauce
- Colander For draining pasta
- Wooden spoon For stirring sauce
- Knife For chopping ingredients
- Cutting board For preparing vegetables
Ingrédients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped, any color
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mexican cheese blend and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition
Key Takeaways
- Discover a delicious one-pot Mexican spaghetti recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- This dish combines ground beef, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, and cheese with spaghetti for a flavorful fiesta in every bite.
- The recipe is perfect for busy families, requiring minimal prep and cleanup with no fancy ingredients.
- Since 2019, this Mexican spaghetti recipe has garnered millions of views and numerous 5-star reviews.
- Serve this dish hot to fully enjoy its cheesy and spicy flavors, with the option to store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Ingredients for Mexican Spaghetti
Get ready to make a tasty Mexican spaghetti dish! You’ll need ground beef or turkey, onions, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, spaghetti noodles, water, cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro. For a healthier choice, use lean ground turkey and no-salt-added tomatoes.
To make it even tastier, add diced bell peppers, a bit of tomato paste, and spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Grating your own cheddar cheese makes it creamier and melts better.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 lb |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Taco seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Rotel tomatoes | 1 (10 oz) can |
| Spaghetti noodles | 8 oz |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
With these ingredients, you’ll make a delicious Mexican spaghetti dish. It will impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Mexican Spaghetti
Want a tasty Mexican-inspired spaghetti dish? This guide will help you make how to make mexican spaghetti, mexican spaghetti recipe easy in 30 minutes. Impress your family and friends with this mix of Italian and Mexican flavors.
- In a big skillet or Dutch oven, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks. Add chopped onion when the beef is browned. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
- Put taco seasoning, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 3 cups of water in the skillet. Stir well and let it boil.
- After boiling, add 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti. Lower the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then. The pasta should be tender and the liquid gone.
- Take the skillet off the heat. Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and fresh cilantro on top.
For a one-pot dish, cook the spaghetti with the other ingredients. Add water and simmer until the pasta is done. This way, the pasta soaks up all the Mexican flavors. Make sure to cook the beef well for a rich taste.
Serve the how to make mexican spaghetti, mexican spaghetti recipe easy hot. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, green onion, or jalapeño peppers. Enjoy this tasty twist on a classic dish!
How to Serve Mexican Spaghetti
Serving Mexican spaghetti is easy. Make sure it’s hot so the cheese melts and spices mix well. Add taco toppings like diced tomatoes, black olives, and onions. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess.
Best Sides for Mexican Spaghetti
Pair Mexican spaghetti with classic sides. Homemade tortilla chips and fresh salsa add crunch and flavor. Guacamole brings a cool contrast to the spicy spaghetti. Warm tortillas are great for scooping up every bit.
Mexican Spaghetti with Sour Cream and Tomato Sauce
For a special treat, bake the spaghetti in a casserole at 350°F for 10 minutes. Then, broil for 3-5 minutes for a crispy top. The sour cream and tomato sauce make it creamy and rich. Serve hot for a delicious mix of Mexican and Italian flavors.
Tips and Variations for Mexican Spaghetti
Make your Mexican spaghetti better with these easy tips and yummy changes! Want it creamy, cheesy, or with chicken? We’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the many ways to enjoy this dish.
How to Make Creamy Mexican Spaghetti
For a rich twist, add 1/2 cup of sour cream after cooking the spaghetti. This creamy touch will mix well with the bold Mexican flavors. It’s sure to wow your guests.
Cheesy Mexican Spaghetti with Velveeta
Want more cheese? Add Velveeta or cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. This makes the cheesy mexican spaghetti super gooey and tasty. The cheese will cover every spaghetti strand, making each bite cheesy.
How to Make Mexican Spaghetti with Chicken
Try using shredded mexican spaghetti with chicken for more protein. Or, add spicy chorizo for a twist. Feel free to pick your favorite protein to match your taste.
« The key to amazing Mexican spaghetti is the perfect balance of spices, creaminess, and cheese. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own signature spin on this versatile dish. »
Customizing your Mexican spaghetti is endless. Add corn or black olives, or use plant-based meat or black beans for a veggie version. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy making your own dish!
What to Serve With Mexican Spaghetti
Mexican spaghetti is tasty and filling. It’s even better with the right sides. Adding sides can make the meal more complete. Here are some tasty options to go with your Mexican spaghetti.
Traditional Sides for Authentic Mexican Spaghetti
For a real Mexican spaghetti taste, try refried beans or Mexican rice. These are great with the spaghetti. They add a comforting touch to the bold flavors.
- Refried Beans: This creamy side is a classic. It’s full of protein and goes well with the pasta.
- Mexican Rice: This spiced rice is a perfect match. It absorbs the spaghetti’s sauces well.
Pairing Mexican Spaghetti with Cornbread or Rice
For a fuller meal, try Mexican spaghetti with cornbread or rice. These add more texture and make the meal more filling.
- Cornbread: Its sweetness and crumbly texture are great with the spaghetti’s bold flavors.
- Rice: A fluffy bed of rice is perfect for soaking up the spaghetti’s sauce.
Choose sides that match the spaghetti’s flavors and textures. This makes for a great meal. Try different sides to find your favorites.
Nutritional Information for Mexican Spaghetti
Enjoying Mexican spaghetti is a fun treat. But, have you thought about its nutrition? Let’s look at the calories and health perks of this tasty dish.
Calories in Mexican Spaghetti
A serving of Mexican spaghetti has about 391 calories. This number comes from ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices. You can make it healthier by using lean turkey or spaghetti squash instead.
Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash Variations
Spaghetti squash is a great low-carb, high-nutrient swap for Mexican spaghetti. It’s full of vitamins A and C, and fiber. This makes it a healthy and filling option.
| Nutrient | Standard Mexican Spaghetti | Spaghetti Squash Variation |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 391 | 238 |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 20g |
| Protein | 26g | 12g |
| Fat | 15g | 8g |
| Fiber | 5g | 7g |
The spaghetti squash version has fewer calories and more fiber. It’s better for those watching carbs. Try different versions to find the best taste and nutrition for you.
Tools and Ingredients You Need
To make a tasty Mexican spaghetti dish, you need some basic tools and good ingredients. Let’s look at what you need to make this meal a hit.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Mexican Spaghetti
- A large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid to cook the spaghetti and sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure precise ingredient proportions
- A sturdy cheese grater for freshly shredding the cheese
- A sharp knife for dicing the onions and peppers
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the dish as it cooks
Choosing the Right Ingredients (Crema, Cheese, and More)
For the protein, pick lean ground beef or turkey. Use fresh onions, peppers, and tomatoes for flavor. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes, like Ro-Tel, for sweetness and acidity.
For cheese, sharp cheddar is best. Grate it yourself for the best melt. Use Mexican crema for extra flavor. And don’t forget fresh cilantro for a herbal touch.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound |
| Yellow Onions | 2 medium |
| Ro-Tel Original Diced Tomatoes | 1 can (8 ounces) |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 can (8 ounces) |
| Spaghetti | 8 ounces |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup, freshly grated |
| Cilantro | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
With the right mexican spaghetti tools and mexican spaghetti ingredients, you’ll make a delicious Mexican spaghetti dish fast.
Alternative Recipes and Variations
There are many fun ways to make Mexican spaghetti. You can try green spaghetti or slow-cooked crockpot versions. These recipes will make your dinner exciting.
Green Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Want to make your Mexican spaghetti colorful? Try our green version! We use salsa verde instead of tomato sauce. It adds fresh, herbal flavors.
Top it with queso fresco for extra taste. It’s a fresh and tasty dish.
Crockpot Mexican Spaghetti for Busy Days
Need a meal that’s easy to make? Our crockpot Mexican spaghetti is perfect. Just put all ingredients in the slow cooker, except pasta and cheese.
Let it cook for 6-8 hours. Then, add spaghetti and cheese for the last 30 minutes. It’s rich and easy to make.
Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with a Kick
Do you like spicy food? Make your spaghetti spicy with jalapeños or more chili powder. It’s hot!
Balance the heat with sour cream or a salad. Try different pasta shapes like penne or rotini for fun.
These Mexican spaghetti variations will make dinner fun. Try new flavors and find your favorite. Enjoy your meal!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Cooking Mexican spaghetti is fun, but you must avoid common mistakes. Two big issues are overcooking the pasta and getting the spice and creaminess right.
Overcooking the Pasta
To make perfect Mexican spaghetti, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. Check the pasta often and take it off the heat when it’s just right. If it’s overcooked, it will be mushy and can’t hold the sauce well.
Balancing Spices and Creaminess
Mexican spaghetti has a creamy sauce with spices. Start with a little spice and add more as you like. Don’t drain the canned tomatoes because their liquid makes the sauce right. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of water to fix it.
By watching out for these mistakes, your Mexican spaghetti will be a hit. It will be full of flavor and perfectly cooked every time.
Interesting Facts About Mexican Spaghetti
Mexican spaghetti is also called « espagueti verde » or « espagueti rojo. » It’s a tasty mix of Italian pasta and bold Mexican flavors. This dish has a cool story and a fun twist – fideo spaghetti.
The Origin of Mexican Spaghetti
Italian immigrants brought pasta to Mexico. They settled and shared their pasta dishes. Local cooks mixed these with Mexican flavors, making a new dish.
Why Fideo Spaghetti is a Popular Alternative
Fideo spaghetti is a thin, short noodle from Mexico. It’s great for soaking up flavors. This makes it a favorite for Mexican pasta, like Mexican spaghetti.
« Mexican spaghetti is a culinary fusion that celebrates the rich cultural exchange between Italy and Mexico, creating a truly unique and delicious dining experience. »
Choosing spaghetti or fideo noodle, Mexican spaghetti shows global cuisine’s creativity. It’s a mix of flavors that excites your taste buds.
Conclusion: Try This Easy Mexican Spaghetti Recipe Today
Mexican spaghetti is great for busy nights. It has a tasty tomato sauce, ground beef, and Mexican spices. You can make it in just 30 minutes.
Share Your Mexican Spaghetti Experience
After trying this recipe, share your dish on social media. We want to see your favorite toppings. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and use #MexicanSpaghetti.
Explore More Easy Mexican Recipes
Enjoyed this recipe? Check out more easy Mexican dishes on our website. Try enchiladas, tacos, or even smoked salmon and avocado eggs royale. Add excitement to your meals!
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in Mexican spaghetti?
Mexican spaghetti has ground beef or turkey, onions, and taco seasoning. It also has Rotel tomatoes, spaghetti noodles, water, and cheddar cheese. You can add bell peppers, tomato paste, and spices like chili powder and cumin.
How do you make Mexican spaghetti?
First, brown the ground beef and onions in a pot. Add taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, spaghetti, and water. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Stir in half the cheese. Top with the rest of the cheese and cilantro.
What are some ways to serve Mexican spaghetti?
Serve it hot with taco toppings like tomatoes and black olives. Add sour cream for extra richness. It’s also good with chips and homemade salsa.
For a crispy top, bake it with cheese on top.
What are some variations of Mexican spaghetti?
You can make it creamy with sour cream or extra cheesy with Velveeta. Try it spicier with chorizo or vegetarian with black beans. Use spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Mexican spaghetti?
Serve it with refried beans, Mexican rice, and cornbread. For a lighter option, try a green salad. It’s also great with warm tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole.
What is the nutritional information for Mexican spaghetti?
One serving has about 391 calories, 37g carbs, 26g protein, and 15g fat. It’s full of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Using lean turkey can lower the fat.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican spaghetti?
Avoid overcooking the pasta and not balancing the spices. Start with less spice and add more as needed. Don’t drain the canned tomatoes for a better sauce.
Where does Mexican spaghetti come from?
It’s a mix of Italian pasta and Mexican flavors. It came from Italian immigrants in Mexico. A similar dish, fideo, is often used in Mexican pasta recipes.
