Looking for a new twist on traditional spaghetti? This Mexican spaghetti recipe combines the rich, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting familiarity of pasta. By blending simple ingredients like ground beef, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a one-pot meal that’s both easy and packed with flavor.
Not only is it a family-friendly option, but this recipe is also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you want a spicy kick, a creamy finish, or extra veggies, there’s plenty of room to customize this recipe. It also pairs beautifully with sides like perfect garlic bread or a fresh cilantro lime salad to make the meal complete.
With this Mexican spaghetti recipe, you can take the flavors of taco night and combine them with the heartiness of pasta, creating a dish that will quickly become a household favorite.
What is Mexican Spaghetti (Fideo)?
Mexican spaghetti recipe, often referred to as fideo, is a flavorful twist on the classic pasta dish, with roots in both Mexican and Italian cuisines. While traditional spaghetti is typically served with marinara or meat sauce, Mexican spaghetti brings a south-of-the-border influence by incorporating Mexican spices, chilies, and corn into the dish.
Traditionally, fideo refers to noodles in Spanish, and in Mexican cooking, it’s common to toast the noodles before cooking them in a tomato-based broth. However, this recipe skips the toasting step for simplicity but keeps the bold, robust flavors intact. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at a gathering.
This fusion dish is not just a weeknight winner—it’s versatile enough for any occasion. You can add vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even switch up the type of protein to suit your needs. Mexican spaghetti is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
This Mexican spaghetti recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:
Core Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option).
- Onions: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped for sweetness and flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for an aromatic depth.
- Green Chilies: A 7-ounce can of diced mild green chilies, which add a subtle heat. Use jalapeños or hatch chilies if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes for a tangy, fresh tomato flavor.
- Corn: 1 cup of frozen corn, thawed for a sweet, crunchy contrast to the spicy flavors.
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet of taco seasoning, or about 2 tablespoons if making it from scratch. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
- Tomato Sauce: An 8-ounce can of tomato sauce to build a rich, cohesive sauce for the pasta.
- Spaghetti Noodles: 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles, broken into thirds to help them cook evenly and blend well with the sauce.
- Cheese: 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese. You can also mix them or use pepper jack for added spice.
Optional Ingredients:
- Sour Cream: For a creamy texture, add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be sprinkled on top for an herbaceous flavor.
- Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or serve them as a garnish.
- Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished dish to brighten the flavors.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with bold, Mexican flavors, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Making Mexican spaghetti recipe is incredibly simple and can be completed in about 45 minutes. Follow these detailed steps to ensure you get a delicious, flavorful result every time.
1. Brown the Beef and Onion
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
2. Add the Spices and Vegetables
- Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring that it coats the beef and onions evenly. Next, add the green chilies, diced tomatoes, and corn. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The chilies and taco seasoning will infuse the mixture with the signature Mexican spices.
3. Simmer the Sauce
- Pour in the tomato sauce and 2 3/4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. This will create the flavorful broth that will cook the pasta and absorb into the sauce.
4. Add the Spaghetti
- Break the spaghetti into thirds and stir it into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
5. Sprinkle with Cheese
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely. This will give the dish a rich, cheesy finish that perfectly complements the spicy sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with optional garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños. You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for added brightness.
By following these steps, you’ll have a hearty, delicious dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines.
Tips for Perfect Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
To make sure your Mexican spaghetti recipe turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your spaghetti spicier, add some chopped jalapeños or use a spicier version of taco seasoning. Alternatively, you can add a splash of hot sauce just before serving.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese before serving. This will give the dish a smoother, richer texture.
- Use Different Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey jack are great options, but you can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick or queso fresco for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- Thicker or Thinner Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water slightly. For a saucier dish, you can add a little extra tomato sauce or broth.
Variations and Substitutions
This Mexican spaghetti recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to easily make substitutions or add ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some ideas for customizing your dish:
1. Mexican Chicken Spaghetti
- Instead of using ground beef, you can swap it for shredded or cubed chicken. Using a rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that will save you time. Additionally, the flavors of the taco seasoning and green chilies blend just as well with chicken, making this a lighter, yet equally delicious version of the dish.ap the ground beef for shredded or cubed chicken. Using a rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and will save time. The flavors of the taco seasoning and green chilies work just as well with chicken, making it a lighter, yet equally delicious version of the dish.
2. Vegetarian Mexican Spaghetti
- For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply skip the meat and add extra vegetables. For instance, zucchini, bell peppers, and black beans work particularly well in this recipe, as they provide plenty of flavor and texture without the need for meat. Moreover, this variation is healthier and packed with nutrients.
3. Spaghetti Squash Version
- For those looking for a low-carb option, you can replace the traditional spaghetti with spaghetti squash. First, roast the squash in the oven, then shred it into strands and mix it with the sauce. This provides a lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers all the bold flavors of Mexican spaghetti.
4. Gluten-Free Option
- If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free spaghetti noodles in place of regular pasta. Be sure to double-check that the taco seasoning is also gluten-free. Additionally, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the brand of gluten-free pasta you choose.
5. Creamy Mexican Spaghetti
- To make the dish creamier, stir in cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking. This will not only add a rich, velvety texture, but it will also help balance out the spice from the chilies and taco seasoning, creating a smoother, more luxurious sauce.
What to Serve with Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Mexican spaghetti recipe is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this flavorful dish:
1. Salads
- A fresh salad like a cilantro lime salad pairs beautifully with the richness of the spaghetti. The bright, tangy flavors of the cilantro and lime help balance the spiciness of the dish.
2. Bread
- Serve your spaghetti with some perfect garlic bread for dipping into the sauce. The crunchy, buttery bread contrasts nicely with the soft pasta and cheesy sauce. Alternatively, cornbread is another great option, offering a slightly sweet contrast to the savory spaghetti.
3. Refried Beans or Mexican Rice
- A side of refried beans or Mexican rice adds another layer of flavor and texture to the meal. These classic Mexican sides complement the flavors of the spaghetti while adding extra substance to the meal.
4. Toppings
- Add toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to your spaghetti for extra flavor and texture. You can also sprinkle some queso fresco or crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch.
These sides and toppings will help create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Storage and Leftovers
Mexican spaghetti recipe stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigeration
- Store any leftover Mexican spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so the texture may change slightly when reheated.
Freezing
- While it’s not recommended to freeze the pasta itself (as it can become mushy), you can prepare the sauce in advance and freeze it separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the reheated sauce for the best texture.
Reheating
- To reheat, place the spaghetti in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Stir occasionally until the spaghetti is fully heated through. If the dish contains cheese, avoid overheating, as this can cause the cheese to become greasy.
FAQs About Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Can I make Mexican spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by simply omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans. These vegetables not only provide texture but also add substance, making the dish just as satisfying without the meat. Moreover, they enhance the flavor and make the meal more nutritious.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta. For example, rotini, penne, or even fideo noodles will work just as well, providing a slightly different texture. In particular, fideo noodles are often used in traditional Mexican pasta dishes, adding an authentic touch to the meal.
How do I make Mexican spaghetti recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add extra jalapeños or habanero peppers. Additionally, using a spicier variety of taco seasoning is another easy way to make the dish hotter. Furthermore, you can drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish to kick up the spice level and give it that extra fiery flavor.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can definitely prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh. This approach is ideal if you’re meal-prepping or hosting a gathering, as it saves time and ensures the dish is ready when needed.
What cheese works best for Mexican spaghetti recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey jack are the most popular choices; however, you can also use pepper jack for a spicier kick. Additionally, queso fresco is another option if you want to keep the dish more authentically Mexican. For a creamier texture, you can stir in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end to achieve a smoother, richer consistency.
Conclusion
This Mexican spaghetti recipe is a delicious fusion of bold Mexican flavors and the comforting familiarity of Italian pasta. With ingredients like taco seasoning, green chilies, and cheddar cheese, this dish is a perfect way to spice up your weeknight dinners. Whether you opt for the traditional version, a low-carb spaghetti squash version, or a creamy variation with sour cream, this dish is sure to please.
Serve it alongside some perfect garlic bread or a fresh cilantro lime salad for a complete meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. However you choose to enjoy it, Mexican spaghetti will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. The bold flavors and hearty ingredients make it a comforting, filling option that’s easy to customize. Happy cooking!