Tex-Mex Spaghetti

Short description

A vibrant fusion of Italian pasta and bold Tex-Mex flavors, this spaghetti dish brings together hearty ground meat, spicy tomatoes, melty cheese, and southwestern seasonings for a soul-satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers the familiar comfort of spaghetti with a zesty twist. It’s flavorful, family-friendly, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti

• Lean ground beef (or turkey)

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Pinto beans (drained)

• Tomato sauce

• Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Ro-Tel), undrained

• Chili powder

• Ground cumin

• Mexican oregano

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Shredded pepper jack cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (if baking; optional—this can also be prepared stovetop).

2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, drain (reserve a bit of pasta water if desired).

3. In a large oven-proof skillet or pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in pinto beans, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with chiles. Season with chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

5. Mix in half of the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and sauce is creamy.

6. Add the cooked spaghetti, tossing to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water.

7. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake for about 10–15 minutes, or until cheese bubbles and melts. (If not baking, simply cover the skillet until cheese melts.)

8. Let rest briefly and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Cook time: ~40 minutes (including baking)

• Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

• Protein swaps: Use ground chicken, turkey, spicy pork, or chorizo instead of beef.

• Vegetarian option: Replace meat with extra beans or meatless crumbles.

• Extra veggies: Stir in bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added color and nutrition.

• Add heat: Use “hot” canned tomatoes, add diced jalapeños, or include a dash of cayenne.

• Cheese options: Try a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack for melting quality.

• One-pot version: Omit baking—simply simmer everything together on the stovetop until cheese melts.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

You can use standard spaghetti, angel hair, or even linguine; break strands in half for easier mixing and serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—just substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your spice blends or canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this ahead?

Absolutely! Assemble in a casserole dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready—add a few more minutes to bake time if it’s cold straight from the fridge.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes—substitute with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green chiles; adjust seasonings to balance flavor and moisture.

What sides pair well with Tex-Mex spaghetti?

Serve with a simple green salad, guacamole and tortilla chips, or a side of roasted vegetables to lighten up the meal.

How can I reduce fat content?

Use leaner ground meat, low-fat cheese, and drain excess fat after browning the meat.

Can it be made spicy for adults?

Definitely. Use hotter diced tomatoes, add jalapeños, or increase chili powder and cumin to taste.

How to get a creamy texture without baking?

Simmer mixture on low and stir continuously until cheese melts; covering the pan helps create a silky finish.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes—store cooled food tightly sealed and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can kids eat it?

Usually yes—with mild seasoning and by withholding jalapeños or hot chiles. You can also serve cheese on the side to adjust for picky eaters.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex Spaghetti delivers cozy pasta vibes with bold southwestern flair. It’s flexible, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding families, parties, or meal prepping. With minimal effort, you can elevate a simple spaghetti dinner into a Tex-Mex-themed feast that will have everyone asking for seconds

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