Description
Discover how to make Mexican spaghetti, a flavorful twist on a classic dish combining pasta with bold Mexican spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional for vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel or similar)
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Jalapeños, olives, or avocado slices for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. If making a vegetarian version, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the diced onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings like jalapeños, olives, or avocado slices. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the heat level of your Mexican spaghetti by varying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If serving to guests, you can provide extra spices or hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish that adds a burst of flavor and color to Mexican spaghetti. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or green onions can be great alternatives.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different toppings like sliced black olives, diced avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream. These additions can enhance the dish’s flavor and texture, making it even more satisfying.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top of the dish before serving adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the sauce.