What Is Mexican Spaghetti Made Of? A Tasty Twist on a Classic Dish

Mexican spaghetti is a flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti, combining pasta with bold Mexican ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, cheese, and sometimes chorizo or ground beef. If you’ve been wondering, “What is Mexican spaghetti made of?”, the answer lies in this exciting mix of ingredients. These flavors come together to create a dish that is comforting yet full of zest.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key ingredients, offer some variations, and provide a step-by-step recipe so you can easily make Mexican spaghetti at home.

What Is Mexican Spaghetti Made Of?

Mexican spaghetti uses Mexican ingredients like tomatoes, chiles, onions, and cheese to create a spicy and savory dish. While the pasta remains the same, the sauce and seasonings add a unique Mexican touch. Here’s a closer look at what goes into Mexican spaghetti:

1. Spaghetti Pasta

The base of the dish is classic spaghetti pasta. Although other pasta types can be used, spaghetti is the most common. It works well to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

2. Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce

Mexican spaghetti usually starts with tomatoes or tomato sauce, just like its Italian version. However, spices and chiles make it stand out with a Mexican twist. The tomatoes add richness and tanginess to the sauce.

3. Chiles (Jalapeños or Poblanos)

To add heat, chiles are often used. Jalapeños, serranos, or poblano peppers give the dish a smoky or spicy kick. These chiles enhance the flavor and give Mexican spaghetti its signature heat.

4. Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic are usually sautéed at the beginning of the recipe. These add depth and a savory aroma that complement the other flavors.

5. Cheese

Cheese plays a big role in Mexican spaghetti. Common types include queso fresco, cotija, or Monterey Jack. The cheese melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture. In some recipes, you can sprinkle it on top and bake the dish until it’s golden and bubbly.

6. Cream or Crema

To make the sauce creamy, many recipes include Mexican crema or heavy cream. This helps balance the heat from the chiles and gives the sauce a smooth, rich texture. Mexican crema is tangy and light, making it a great addition.

7. Chorizo or Ground Beef

Mexican spaghetti often includes chorizo or ground beef, adding a savory element and making the dish more filling. The seasoned meat brings extra flavor to the meal.

8. Spices (Cumin, Paprika, and Oregano)

To give the dish its distinct Mexican flavor, spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and sometimes cayenne pepper are used. These spices add warmth and complexity, enriching the overall flavor.

Variations of Mexican Spaghetti

It is easy to customize depending on your preferences. Here are a few popular variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Mexican Spaghetti

If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply skip the meat and load up on vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. These veggies will add both texture and extra nutrition to the dish.

2. Spicy Mexican Spaghetti

If you enjoy spicy food, you can add extra jalapeños, serranos, or even chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor. A sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper will also increase the heat.

3. Mexican Spaghetti with Chicken

For a lighter option, replace the ground beef or chorizo with shredded chicken. The chicken absorbs the sauce while keeping the dish lean and flavorful.

4. Cheesy Baked Mexican Spaghetti

For a more indulgent version, top the spaghetti with extra cheese and bake it until golden and bubbly. This method creates a crispy, cheesy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce underneath.

How to Make Mexican Spaghetti: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know what this dish is made of, here’s an easy guide to help you make it at home:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef or chorizo
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (or 1 can tomato sauce)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 jalapeños or poblano peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or queso fresco)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

First Step: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Second Step: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or chorizo and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Then, add the diced onion, garlic, and chiles to the skillet. Sauté everything until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

Third Step: Make the Sauce

1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
2. After that, add the Mexican crema or heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Fourth Step: Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce until everything is evenly coated.
2. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts and the spaghetti is fully heated.

Fifth Step: Serve and Garnish

1. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot. You can add more crema or cheese on top if desired.

FAQs: What Is Mexican Spaghetti Made Of?

Q: Can I make Mexican spaghetti without meat?
A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by leaving out the meat and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.

Q: What makes Mexican spaghetti taste different from regular spaghetti?
A: The unique blend of spices, chiles, and cream gives it a bold flavor, unlike traditional Italian spaghetti. The cheese and spices like cumin and paprika make it stand out.

Q: Is Mexican spaghetti spicy?
A: It can be, depending on how many chiles you add. For a mild version, use poblano peppers. If you prefer more heat, jalapeños or serranos will add an extra kick.

Now that you know exactly what Mexican spaghetti is made of, you can easily prepare it at home. Whether you enjoy it spicy with meat or prefer a lighter, vegetarian option, it is a flavorful and versatile dish that will impress your family and friends.