Spaghetti Mexicano
A hearty Mexican-inspired spaghetti dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, topped with cheese — perfect for a flavorful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- cooked spaghetti ⓘ
- shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, red kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and crushed red pepper.
- Heat the mixture to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti and garnish with shredded cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using hot chili powder. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, black beans or lentils work well instead of beef and kidney beans. Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti Mexicano hot, topped with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish goes well with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with Rita'S Taco Soup for a complete Mexican-themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spaghetti Mexicano in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions until heated through, or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Mexicano contains roughly 755 calories, with 37g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (251% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2595mg per serving (113% 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 other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta instructions, ensuring it's al dente before serving.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of black beans and lentils for protein. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth if you include it.
What can I do with leftover spaghetti sauce?
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be used in various ways. It makes a great base for a Mexican-style lasagna or can be used as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also mix it with scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast or add it to tacos for an innovative twist.
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).