Mexican Spaghetti

Name: Mexican Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 can (28 ounces crushed tomatoes); 1 can (15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed); 1 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed); 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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5 from 1 vote

Published on October 13, 2024

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by Carrie Barnard

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Mexican Spaghetti is a one-pot meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. My kids love this recipe and it combines all the delicious Mexican flavors that everyone loves.

A white pot filled with cheesy taco spaghetti, garnished with chopped parsley, is on a light-colored table. Surrounding the pot are lime wedges, a striped green and white towel, bowls of shredded cheese and chopped herbs, a red bell pepper, an onion, and cilantro—perfect for this Mexican-inspired recipe.

We have figured out that Spaghetti and Mexican spices go together with this simple Mexican Spaghetti Recipe. This recipe is kid-friendly and cooks easily in a large pot on the stovetop.

This Mexican Spaghetti is a twist on a classic recipe. Check out these other spaghetti recipes, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, Spaghetti Pie, Spaghetti Tacos and Taco Spaghetti.

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredients
Variations Ideas
How to Make Mexican Spaghetti
Recipe Tips
Serving Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexican Spaghetti Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Take your Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe to the next level and make this Mexican Spaghetti. This recipe combines the delicious Mexican spices, ground beef and spaghetti into a one pot dish that is perfect served for any occasion.

It takes minutes to prepare and is a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Spaghetti – Feel free to make this with other types of noodles. You can even use Spaghetti Squash or Easy Zucchini Noodles Recipe.
Lean Ground Beef – Feel free to Ground Turkey or a combination of both
Onion – See Best Onion Substitute if you are out
Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
Red Bell Pepper – Feel free to use green bell pepper
Black Beans – You can also other type of beans

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

Spicy – For a spicier dish, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper or increase the amount of chili powder. You can also add in a tsp of red pepper flakes.
Sauce Consistency – If you like a saucier pasta, you can add ½ cup of chicken or beef broth when you add the crushed tomatoes.
Seasoning – This Mexican Spaghetti can also be made with Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Toppings – Serve this Mexican Spaghetti topped with sour cream, Monterey Jack shredded cheese, avocado and chopped green onions.

How to Make Mexican Spaghetti

A bundle of uncooked spaghetti stands upright in a silver pot filled with water. The pot sits on a light-colored surface, and a green and white striped cloth napkin is draped to the side, subtly adding a touch of Mexican flair.

Step 1 – Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

A white pot with handles containing raw ground beef being stirred with a wooden spoon is set on a light-colored countertop. To the left, a green and white striped cloth adds a pop of color, hinting at the beginnings of a delicious Mexican recipe.

Step 2 – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

A large white pot sits on a light surface with cooked ground beef, diced onions, chopped red bell peppers, and minced garlic inside. A wooden spatula rests in the pot, hinting that this might be the start of a delicious Mexican Spaghetti. A green and white striped kitchen towel lies beside it.

Step 3 – Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

A white pot filled with various ingredients for a Mexican chili, including black beans, ground meat, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices. A wooden spoon is in the pot, and a striped green and white dish towel is next to it on a light-colored surface.

Step 4 – Stir in crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, paprika, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.

A pot filled with a Mexican chili mixture containing ground meat, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, with half of the pot covered by cooked spaghetti. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot. A green and white striped towel is placed beside the pot on a white surface, completing this delicious recipe.

Step 5 – Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.

A large white pot filled with a savory spaghetti dish featuring noodles, ground meat, diced tomatoes, and topped with shredded cheese. A green and white striped kitchen towel is placed beside the pot on a light gray surface, hinting at a delicious Mexican twist to this classic recipe.

Step 6 – Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Cook on low heat until the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and top with chopped cilantro if desired.

Recipe Tips

Pasta – Cook the pasta according to the package and al dente.
Chopping Veggies – Chop the vegetables about the same size so that they cook evenly. We like using a Mandoline Slicer for best results.
Combining Ingredients – Combining the ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven until everything is heated and combined together.

A pot of cheesy taco spaghetti, a delightful Mexican Spaghetti recipe, topped with fresh cilantro and featuring a wooden spoon for serving. The dish includes ground meat, black beans, and diced tomatoes. In the background, there are red bell peppers, an onion, lime wedges, and a bunch of cilantro. A striped cloth napkin is nearby.

Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Spaghetti is a complete meal but we always like to serve some easy side dishes.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe
Homemade Salsa Recipe and Tortilla Chips
Easy Guacamole Recipe with Salsa
Air Fryer Broccoli

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make in Advance?

We recommend cooking the meat and chopping the veggies in advance. Then when ready to prepare everything this step is already done which makes this spaghetti even easier.

How to Store Leftover Mexican Spaghetti

Store the Leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave.

Can I Freeze Mexican Spaghetti?

Mexican Spaghetti does not freeze well as the pasta may become mushy when thawing.