Baked Spaghetti Southwest Style
A flavorful baked spaghetti dish with a southwest twist, featuring ground pork, jalapenos, and melted Monterey Jack cheese—perfect for a hearty, spicy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork or beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 fresh or canned jalapeno pepper, seeds and ribs removed and minced or 1 (7 oz.) can minced chilies ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the spaghetti.
- Add salt and cook the spaghetti until al dente; drain.
- Beat together the milk and egg in a bowl.
- Mix the egg and milk mixture with the hot cooked spaghetti.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture in a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook the ground pork or beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno or chilies to the meat; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and tomato sauce; simmer for a few minutes.
- Pour the meat and sauce mixture over the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or using a hotter variety. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for the pork or beef. You can also replace Monterey Jack cheese with sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Make sure to mix the spaghetti well with the egg and milk to ensure even coating. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Spaghetti Southwest Style is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with Soft-Shell Tacos for a fun meal. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. For a complete feast, complement with Mexican recipes such as Mexican Goulash or Green Chili Stewlos Alamos, New Mexico.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spaghetti Southwest Style contains roughly 566 calories, with 25g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1681mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze the baked spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).