Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal? Mexican Spaghetti is your answer. This recipe combines the comforting taste of spaghetti with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine.
It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a tasty dish in a hurry. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it a go-to favorite for everyone.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This Mexican spaghetti recipe shines not only for its bold flavors but also for its remarkable adaptability and ease of preparation.
By sautéing onions, browning meat, and simmering the sauce with a medley of spices, the dish comes together effortlessly, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Its adaptability ensures satisfaction for every palate. With simple ingredients readily found in most kitchens, this traditional Mexican spaghetti recipe effortlessly accommodates personal preferences and dietary needs. Its versatility allows for endless variations, whether substituting beef with chicken or black beans for a meat-free alternative.
Additionally, this Mexican spaghetti recipe is quick to whip up on busy weeknights yet impressive enough to entertain guests. It embodies convenience without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
Spaghetti is often used as the quintessential noodle choice for this Mexican pasta dish. Their long, slender shape provides ample surface area to capture and hold the savory sauce. Alternative pasta options such as fettuccine, linguini, penne, or rigatoni offer the perfect alternative for holding chunky sauce.
Onions:
White or yellow onions are commonly used in Mexican spaghetti recipes due to their mellow flavor, while red onions can add a pop of color and a slightly sharper taste. Alternatives like shallots, green onions, or scallions can be used for their mild onion flavor and as a vibrant garnish.
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is a popular protein choice for any authentic Mexican spaghetti recipe, providing a hearty texture and savory depth to the dish. Alternatively, ground turkey, ground chicken, or shredded chicken can be used as leaner options, offering a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the spices and sauce. Furthermore, black beans or lentils can be used to create vegetarian or vegan Mexican spaghetti.
Mixed Spices:
A vibrant array of seasonings can infuse your easy Mexican spaghetti with bold and tantalizing flavors. Cumin, paprika, cayenne, Mexican oregano, adobo seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and regular oregano can all be used in any combination to infuse your pasta with flavor.
Tomato Sauce:
Tomato sauce is a staple in Mexican spaghetti recipes for its robust flavor, acidity, and ability to bind the dish together. Alternatives such as diced tomatoes or salsa can be used for a chunkier texture, while tomato paste can be diluted with water or broth for a thicker consistency. Additionally, roasted red pepper sauce or tomatillo salsa verde can offer unique flavor profiles that enhance the dish, providing versatility.
Heavy Cream:
Heavy cream is used in Mexican spaghetti recipes to create a rich and creamy sauce base, adding luscious texture and depth to the dish. For a dairy-based alternative, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to lighten the sauce while still maintaining creaminess. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or cashew cream can be used to achieve a similar richness and silkiness, imparting a subtle tropical or nutty flavor to the Mexican spaghetti.
Cheese:
While this recipe uses shredded cheddar cheese to add creaminess to traditional Mexican spaghetti, it can also be made with a number of other cheeses. Mozzarella, parmesan, cotija, Monterey jack, and queso fundito can all be used to create this dish. For dairy-free alternatives, try using vegan shredded cheese made from plant-based ingredients like coconut, almond, or soy.
Fresh Herbs:
For a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped cilantro, chives, oregano, or finely diced green onions atop your Mexican spaghetti. These vibrant herbs not only add color but also infuse each bite with a hint of zest,
How to Make Mexican Spaghetti
Step One:
Prepare the pasta as per the instructions on the package. Set cooked pasta aside.
Step Two:
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they are softened and slightly opaque.
Step Three:
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned.
Step Four:
Season the beef with your mixed spices and stir to incorporate.
Step Five:
Mix the tomato sauce in, bring it to a boil, then allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
Step Six:
Add in the heavy cream, cooked spaghetti, and shredded cheese and gently mix to combine.
Step Seven:
Serve with fresh chopped herbs and cheese, and enjoy!
Tips
- Ensure to cook the spaghetti in heavily salted water until it's just al dente, meaning it's firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won't hold up well with the sauce.
- Save 1 -2 tablespoons of the pasta water. Mixing it with the spaghetti and sauce makes it easier for the sauce to stick to the pasta.
What to Serve With Mexican Spaghetti
While this easy Mexican spaghetti is a hearty enough meal to serve all on its own, there are a number of side dishes and accompaniments that will compliment this vibrant and flavorful dish. A fresh and crisp avocado salad tossed with cherry tomatoes and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta. You can pair your easy Mexican spaghetti with warm, toasted garlic bread brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with a hint of paprika or cumin. Additionally, classic Mexican appetizers like homemade tortilla chips served with chunky salsa, guacamole, or a tangy queso dip offer delightful prelude flavors.
FAQs
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?
Make sure to stir the spaghetti occasionally while cooking to prevent it from clumping together. After draining, toss the cooked spaghetti with a bit of olive oil to further prevent sticking.
Can I make this authentic Mexican spaghetti recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian or vegan Mexican spaghetti, you can omit meat and use ingredients like black beans, tofu, or plant-based meat substitutes. Additionally, ensure any cheese or toppings used align with your dietary preferences.
How long can leftover Mexican spaghetti be kept fresh?
Leftover Mexican spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, the sauce can be frozen; however, freezing the pasta will alter its flavor and texture, making it mushy. Store the sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Pasta Recipes
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Mexican Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 white onions chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ½ tablespoons mixed spices
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano optional
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta as per the instructions on the package. Set cooked pasta aside.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they are softened and slightly opaque.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned.
- Season the beef with your mixed spices and stir to incorporate.
- Mix the tomato sauce in, bring it to a boil, then allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add in the heavy cream, cooked spaghetti, and shredded cheese and gently mix to combine.
- Serve with fresh chopped herbs and cheese, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure to cook the spaghetti in heavily salted water until it's just al dente, meaning it's firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won't hold up well with the sauce.
- Save 1 -2 tablespoons of the pasta water. Mixing it with the spaghetti and sauce makes it easier for the sauce to stick to the pasta.