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Mexican Spaghetti

Mexican Spaghetti
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A vibrant and comforting Mexican Spaghetti recipe that blends Italian pasta with bold Mexican spices for a quick, family-friendly, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz spaghetti pasta (traditional semolina or gluten-free)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based meat alternatives)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

Sauces and Spices

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco/cotija)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, then drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add vegetables and spices: Stir in diced bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and soften the peppers slightly.
  5. Build the sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken and deepen flavors.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, tossing well to coat every strand with the flavorful sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
  7. Finish with cheese and herbs: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and cumin to dramatically improve the flavor depth.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with the sauce.
  • Simmer sauce slowly to allow spices to meld perfectly for best taste.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes off heat to let flavors settle beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican spaghetti, one-pot pasta, family dinner, quick recipe, gluten-free pasta, vegetarian options, Mexican spices, comfort food

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/mexican-spaghetti/