4.57 from 16 votes

Mexican Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Mexican Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 yellow onion (chopped); 1 green pepper (chopped); 1 red pepper (chopped); 1 package taco seasoning (1oz/24g package ); 1 can diced tomatoes (28oz can); 1 ½ cup tomato sauce; 1 can ROTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies (10oz/284ml can ); 1 ¼ cup corn; 1 package spaghetti (450g/16oz package, uncooked); 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish, optional)

ByStacie Vaughan On February 6, 2021September 27, 2024 Updated September 27, 2024

1 Comment

This Mexican Spaghetti recipe is filled with cheesy ground beef, taco seasoning, peppers, corn, tomatoes, and noodles. It’s simple to make and has just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect family dinner recipe.

Mexican spaghetti in a pan surrounded by ingredients.

I love taking a classic recipe and mixing things up. Take Taco Tuesday, for example. Sure, you could have the tacos (I mean what’s not love about tacos, right?), but why not try something a little different. This easy Mexican Spaghetti is a delicious homemade dinner that is quick to make with easy to find ingredients. Taco pasta for the win!

My spouse isn’t a fan of spicy food, so I knew I didn’t want this recipe to be overboard with heat; otherwise, he wouldn’t eat it. He said the amount of spice was perfect for him.

We also gave some leftovers to his parents to try. Both his mom and dad came back with rave reviews. His dad said he wasn’t sure at first about eating it but was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. That’s always nice to hear. I love my recipe testers!

This easy taco spaghetti is perfect for nights when you crave comfort food (hello pasta!). You can have dinner on the table in 45 minutes.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

To make this taco spaghetti, you’ll need to round up these ingredients:

Ground beef
Onion (I like sweet onion)
Green pepper
Red pepper
Package of taco seasoning (you can also make your own homemade taco seasoning)
Can of diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
ROTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies
Corn
Spaghetti noodles
Cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro (optional)

How to Make Mexican Spaghetti

Follow along to learn how to make Mexican Spaghetti!

Step One: Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
Step Two: Add ground beef, onion, green pepper, and red pepper to a large pan or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat for 7 to 9 minutes, until the beef is cooked and the veggies are softened.
Step Three: Stir taco seasoning into beef mixture.

Step Four: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomatoes with green chilies, and corn. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Step Five: Stir in cooked spaghetti noodles and cheese. Top with cilantro and serve hot.

Collage of mixing the ingredients in the pot.

What to Serve with It

Serve with some cornbread or dinner rolls to sop up all that mouthwatering Mexican spaghetti sauce.

You could also pair it with a side salad. I would keep it light, like a garden salad, because this recipe is heavier.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

It isn’t very pleasant when pasta noodles stick together. I find stirring lots while it’s boiling helps. Make sure to use lots of water in your pot when cooking it. I also like to salt the water to give the noodles extra flavor.
I love this easy method for cutting bell peppers. I’ve been doing it this way for years.
If you prefer to use your own homemade taco seasoning versus a premade package, use about two tablespoons in its place.

The recipe in a pan with a wooden spoon.

Variations and Substitutions

Try ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef.
Make it vegetarian and leave the meat out altogether. You would add the taco seasoning to the peppers and onions.
If you don’t have spaghetti, use a different pasta. Rotini, rigatoni, fettuccine—whatever you have in your pantry!
Not a big fan of corn? Leave it out!
Try using salsa instead of ROTEL. Mild or hot – it’s your pick.

How to Store

Any leftover taco spaghetti can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, microwave it for a few minutes.

Can You Make Ahead?

You can make the sauce up to a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove.

I would cook the noodles before serving so they’ll be less likely to be all clumpy and sticky.

Mexican-inspired Recipes

You’ll also like One-Pan Spaghetti, Spaghetti Pie, Greek Spaghetti, Spaghetti Casserole or Crack Chicken Spaghetti.

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