Mexican Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Spaghetti is the perfect combination of simple and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want something exciting for dinner, this dish won’t disappoint. Plus, it all comes together in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion
garlic
diced tomatoes
tomato sauce
taco seasoning
chili powder
spaghetti
water or beef broth
cheddar cheese
salt
black pepper
olive oil
optional toppings: fresh cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges

Directions

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Mix in taco seasoning and chili powder. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth. Stir well.
6. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the pot. Push them down to submerge in the liquid.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and sauce is thickened (about 15 minutes).
8. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Chicken Version: Swap the ground beef for shredded or ground chicken for a lighter twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or black beans instead of beef.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for a more nutritious version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How spicy is Mexican Spaghetti?

The spice level is moderate, depending on the taco seasoning and chili powder used. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning, or by including spicy toppings.

Can I use whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti?

Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti with whole-wheat or gluten-free versions. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just reduce the chili powder or skip the jalapeños if you’re serving it to children or anyone sensitive to spice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Mexican Spaghetti?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or tortilla chips and guacamole.

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Definitely! Using leftover taco meat is a great shortcut and adds even more flavor to the dish.

Do I need to cook the spaghetti separately?

No, the spaghetti cooks right in the sauce, making this a convenient one-pot meal.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like penne or rotini can also be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar is classic, but you can use Mexican cheese blends, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese for extra richness.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Stir the spaghetti frequently during cooking, especially in the beginning, to prevent clumping and sticking to the pot.

Conclusion

Mexican Spaghetti is a fun and flavorful take on a classic pasta dish, bringing the bold tastes of taco night into a comforting bowl of noodles. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and endless customization options, it’s a meal the whole family will ask for again and again. Whether you’re looking for something new to spice up your dinner routine or a dependable crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers every time.

Mexican Spaghetti

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Mexican Spaghetti is a one-pot fusion dish that combines the comfort of pasta with bold Tex-Mex flavors. With seasoned ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and a cheesy finish, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and chili powder to coat the beef evenly.
5. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water or broth. Stir to combine.
6. Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot, pressing down to submerge in liquid.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
8. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot with optional toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Notes

• Use leftover taco meat to save time and add extra flavor.
• Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
• Add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for more veggies.
• Adjust chili powder for more or less spice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg