Mexican Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty Mexican-inspired spaghetti sauce featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and bold spices, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 cups hot water (150 to 160 degrees) ⓘ
- 1 (26 oz) jar meatless spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen yellow and white corn, thawed ⓘ
- 1 cup salsa ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large non-stick skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef and onion mixture to several layers of white paper towels and let stand for 1 minute.
- Blot the beef mixture with additional paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a fine mesh strainer over a 1 1/2-quart bowl and pour hot water over it.
- Drain for 5 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, combine meatless spaghetti sauce, rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes, thawed corn, salsa, chopped green chiles, chili powder, and salt.
- Stir in the drained beef mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using hot salsa. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use lentils for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of hot water or let it simmer longer. This sauce works well as a filling for Taco Sandwiches too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over spaghetti, but it also pairs beautifully with tacos or nachos for a fun twist. A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad makes for a complete meal. For an extra treat, try using the sauce as a dip for chips or as a topping for 9 Layer Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Mexican Spaghetti Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 617 calories, with 23g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (248% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1171mg per serving (51% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it before serving. Making it in advance can enhance the flavors as they meld together over time.
Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
Absolutely! You can substitute black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Each variety will add a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
Is it possible to make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor.
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).