Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Spice up your dinner routine with this irresistible Mexican Spaghetti recipe! A delicious fusion of Italian pasta and bold Mexican flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine al dente spaghetti coated in a rich, smoky tomato sauce seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and a splash of lime juice.
Ingredients
The protein base and sauce needs:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 1/4 white onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups chicken broth
Mexican flavors come alive with this seasoning mix:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- Salt to taste
- 3 whole peppercorns
Fresh produce adds character to the dish:
- 1 potato cubed
- 1 jalapeño optional for heat
- 1/4 bunch fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro 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 and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- If using ground beef or turkey, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the spaghetti. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
- Add your favorite toppings like avocado slices, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Tips for Success
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ground meat and add black beans or corn for extra texture.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or diced green chilies.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.