Southwest Spaghetti Pie
Southwest Spaghetti Pie combines the comforting texture of baked pasta with bold flavors of chili powder, cumin, and green peppers. Topped with melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, it’s perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with a southwestern twist that appeals to spice lovers and comfort food fans alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/2 cup 2% low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground pork ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. jalapeno pepper Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions and drain.
- Whisk together the milk and egg, then stir in the hot cooked pasta.
- Spread the pasta mixture evenly in a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground pork, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic over medium heat for about 6 minutes until pork is cooked through.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pork mixture and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with black beans or lentils. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra texture and flavor. Ensure the cheese is fully melted for that perfect gooey texture. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked spaghetti. This dish pairs well with a side of Quick And Easy Quesadillas for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southwest Spaghetti Pie with a fresh garden salad or sliced avocado on the side for a refreshing contrast. It also goes well with Nacho Chips - Hot for a fun twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Spaghetti Pie contains roughly 703 calories, with 32g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% 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 instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to achieve the desired al dente texture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, assemble it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to keep it fresh. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of jalapeno pepper Monterey Jack cheese?
If you can't find jalapeno pepper Monterey Jack cheese, regular Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be used as a substitute. For a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapenos or using a sharp cheddar cheese.
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).