Craving a meal that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further than this incredibly easy Mexican Spaghetti recipe! It’s a delightful fusion of classic Italian pasta with zesty Tex-Mex influences, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Imagine tender spaghetti smothered in a rich, savory sauce made from perfectly seasoned ground beef, smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet Mexi-corn, and a hint of green chiles, all topped with a generous sprinkle of melted shredded cheese. This quick stovetop dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious on the table fast.

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I’m a huge fan of easy stovetop meals, and this tasty Mexican Spaghetti recipe takes even less time when I use cooked ground beef prepared in bulk for the freezer. This smart meal prep tip significantly cuts down on dinner-time rush, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful dish even faster. Serve it with a fresh Tex-Mex Cole Slaw for a refreshing crunch or a simple green salad to complete your meal.

This recipe brings together the hearty goodness of a classic spaghetti dinner with the exciting, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s truly the best of both worlds, creating a dish that’s satisfying, comforting, and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a simple yet impressive meal, this Mexican Spaghetti is sure to hit the spot.

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Essential Ingredients for Mexican Spaghetti

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Mexican Spaghetti. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for the best flavor:

• Dry spaghetti. While spaghetti is traditional for this dish, feel free to experiment! Any pasta shape that holds a meaty sauce well, like linguine, fettuccine, or even rotini, would be a great alternative. Just ensure you cook it al dente according to package directions for the best texture.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained. This is a key ingredient for a reason! The fire-roasting process imparts a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor that plain diced tomatoes simply can’t replicate. Do not drain them; the juices add essential liquid and flavor to the sauce.
• Mexi-corn, undrained. This canned corn blend often includes bell peppers and sometimes a hint of seasoning, adding both sweetness and a subtle kick. Like the tomatoes, keeping it undrained contributes to the sauce’s consistency and taste. If you can’t find Mexi-corn, regular canned corn (drained) with a pinch of paprika and cumin can be a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Shredded cheese. A Mexican-style cheese blend is perfect for its melty texture and complementary flavor. However, classic cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even quesadilla cheese are excellent choices that will melt beautifully and add that desired creamy, savory finish.
• Green chiles, undrained. Canned diced green chiles (mild) offer a fantastic earthy flavor without overpowering heat. Their liquid is also crucial for the sauce. If you prefer more heat, you can opt for hot green chiles or add a few fresh diced jalapeños.
• Taco seasoning. This is where the “taco” flavor truly comes alive! You can use a convenient store-bought packet, but for a more controlled flavor and to avoid excess sodium, I highly recommend using 2 tablespoons of my homemade bulk taco seasoning mix.
• Green onions. Using both the white and most of the green parts of the green onions adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish. Chop off the root end and thinly slice.
• Ground beef. A versatile and hearty base for our sauce. To save a lot of prep time at dinner, consider cooking ground beef in bulk and freezing the cooked meat. Not only does this save time, but cooked beef also takes up less room in the freezer! Plus, purchasing ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale can lead to significant savings. You could substitute ground turkey, elk, or deer meat for lighter alternatives.
• Water. Used to help the taco seasoning blend into a rich sauce, ensuring all the flavors meld together perfectly.

See the full recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef. In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. If you’re using fresh beef, drain any excess fat once it’s cooked through. If you’re using pre-cooked frozen ground beef, simply reheat it in the skillet until warm.

Step 3: Season the Beef. Stir in the taco seasoning and water with the cooked ground beef. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for allowing the seasoning to fully dissolve and infuse the beef with its delicious taco flavor, creating a rich, thickened base for your sauce.

Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients. While the beef is simmering, chop your green onions, utilizing both the white and most of the green parts for maximum flavor and visual appeal. Add the chopped green onions along with the undrained Mexi-corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (also undrained), and green chiles to the seasoned ground beef. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce. Heat and stir the entire sauce mixture over medium heat until it’s thoroughly heated through and all the ingredients are well mixed and fragrant. This usually takes just a few minutes, as most ingredients are already cooked or canned.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish. Ladle the hot, flavorful Mexican Spaghetti sauce generously over the freshly cooked spaghetti noodles. Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, which will melt beautifully from the heat of the sauce. For an extra touch, you can add a dollop of sour cream, some fresh cilantro, or diced avocado.

Substitutions & Dietary Adjustments

This Mexican Spaghetti recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for various substitutions to fit different dietary needs or preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Low Carb Option: Instead of traditional pasta, serve the flavorful meat sauce over zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles), cauliflower rice, or even sautéed cabbage for a delicious low-carb meal.
• Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or other gluten-free pasta. Remember to check your taco seasoning packet to ensure it’s certified gluten-free, or opt for a homemade gluten-free taco seasoning mix.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the ground beef with drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. For a vegan version, also swap out the shredded cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Other Proteins: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded chicken can be excellent leaner alternatives to ground beef, offering a slightly different flavor profile.

Customize Your Mexican Spaghetti

One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving and adaptable it is. Feel free to use what you have on hand or tweak it to match your personal taste preferences. Here are some ideas to make it truly your own:

• For Extra Spice: Elevate the heat by upgrading to hot/spicy green chiles, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the taco seasoning, or garnishing with freshly diced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
• Kid-Friendly & Mild: If you’re serving little ones or prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the green chiles. You can also substitute Mexi-corn with plain canned or frozen corn for a less zesty taste.
• Add a Crunchy Texture: For an exciting textural contrast, garnish your Mexican Spaghetti with crispy fried jalapeños, French-fried onions, or even crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
• Additional Toppings & Flavors:
  • Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a salty, briny depth.
  • Salsa: Stir in a few spoonfuls of your favorite salsa for added freshness and tang.
  • Black Beans: Boost the protein and fiber content by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans.
  • Enchilada Sauce: A splash of enchilada sauce can add another layer of rich, authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Fresh Garnishes: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh toppings like a dollop of creamy guacamole or sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Mexican Spaghetti leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

Refrigerating Leftovers:

For best results and to maintain optimal pasta texture, store the leftover meat sauce and cooked spaghetti noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This method prevents the spaghetti from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy. It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing for Later:

The flavorful meat sauce is excellent for meal prep and freezing! Prepare the sauce as directed in the instructions, but do not mix it with the spaghetti if you plan to freeze it. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thawing and Reheating:

When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Cook fresh spaghetti noodles while the sauce reheats, then combine and serve as usual.

Mexican Spaghetti

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