If you’re ready to bring a fiesta straight to your dinner table, let me introduce you to the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe. This dish combines the hearty comfort of baked spaghetti with vibrant Mexican spices and fresh ingredients, delivering layers of bold flavor and satisfying textures that dance on your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe effortlessly marries cheesy, spicy, and savory goodness in one irresistible casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a beautiful array of colors. Each component plays its part, from the spicy kick of chili powder to the creamy melty cheese that ties everything together.
- 8 ounces spaghetti: The perfect base to soak up all those rich spices and sauces.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and protein to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies, giving a subtle fruity flavor and smooth cooking.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a crunchy texture when cooked just right.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a punch of flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Complements the red pepper with a fresh, slightly bitter note.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The core of the spice profile, lending that unmistakable Mexican zest.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Elevates the earthiness and depth of the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich red hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives an exciting heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in harmony.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and complexity.
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings juicy freshness and a zesty kick.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Provides a luscious, saucy element that coats the spaghetti.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Adds layers of spice, tang, and a little extra texture.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: The glorious melt that unifies the dish with creamy, gooey perfection.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Finishing touch that brightens and freshens with herbal notes.
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional): Offers a subtle briny contrast and pique your guests’ curiosity.
How to Make Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven warms, cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—this means just tender enough to bite into with a little resistance. Drain it well and set aside, ready to embrace all the spicy flavors that are coming next.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown and caramelize. This step is crucial because those browned bits add incredible richness and depth to your dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and both diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté everything for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and meld together with the beef, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma. This medley creates a wonderful foundation for the spices to enhance.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Now it’s time for the star of this Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe: the spices! Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture cook for two minutes more—which toasts the spices just enough to bloom their flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Sauces and Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and salsa. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients, then bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce cook gently for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to marry and develop an irresistible depth.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the vibrant beef and vegetable sauce. Make sure every strand is well coated so each bite will deliver that perfect harmony of pasta and spice you’re aiming for.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer your spaghetti mixture into it. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly across the top—that golden blanket of cheese is what takes this dish over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly, savory goodness.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and, if you like, sliced black olives over the top. These final touches add brightness and a hit of color that make the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves are a must—they add a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Black olives are optional but recommended if you enjoy a salty bite contrasting the spicy flavors. For an extra pop, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado, which cool down the heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or some warm, homemade tortilla chips with guacamole makes for a balanced meal full of texture contrasts. You can even serve it with Mexican street corn (elote) for an all-around fiesta experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve this Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming portioned presentation. Another fun idea is to layer the ingredients like a casserole in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the colorful layers of pasta, peppers, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked spaghetti keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or saving some for a quick lunch the next day. Just reheat gently for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to press out extra air for freshness. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your spaghetti in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. Adding a splash of water or extra salsa helps maintain moisture and prevent dryness during reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans or cooked lentils to maintain a hearty texture, and perhaps add extra veggies like corn or zucchini. The spices and sauce will keep the dish rich and flavorful without the meat.
How spicy is this dish?
This Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe carries a moderate heat level, thanks to chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes or choosing a milder salsa.
What kind of cheese works best?
A Mexican blend cheese is ideal as it melts beautifully and combines flavors like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla. If unavailable, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar with a sprinkle of cotija works well too.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the spaghetti and sauce mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going in.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
If you’re not a cilantro fan or it’s unavailable, fresh parsley is a good substitute for garnish. The dish will still be amazing without it, but cilantro adds that authentic bright note we love in Mexican dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe is one of those magical dishes that combines comfort food with a burst of exciting flavors. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or cozy nights in when you want something flavorful and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the joy of this delicious blend of spices, melted cheese, and tender pasta. Happy cooking!
Print
Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 00m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Description
A vibrant and hearty Spicy Mexican Baked Spaghetti combining classic Italian pasta with bold Mexican flavors. Ground beef, bell peppers, and aromatic spices meld together in a rich tomato sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with melted Mexican cheese for a comforting and flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Extras
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the spaghetti later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and salsa. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer cooked spaghetti into a large mixing bowl, then pour the beef and vegetable sauce over it. Mix thoroughly so the spaghetti is evenly coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then transfer the spaghetti mixture into it. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced black olives if desired.
- Serve: Serve the spicy baked spaghetti hot, enjoying the fusion of Mexican spices and comforting pasta.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.
- If you prefer vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly.
- Black olives are optional but add a nice briny contrast to the spicy flavors.
