Easy Baked Southwestern Spaghetti Recipe: A Zesty Tex-Mex Twist on a Family Classic
Transform your traditional baked spaghetti into an exciting Tex-Mex culinary adventure with this vibrant recipe. Infused with the bold flavors of green chilies, savory black olives, and a medley of other delightful ingredients, this Baked Southwestern Spaghetti offers a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors to a familiar dish, making dinner both easy and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a freezer-friendly meal, this recipe delivers on taste, convenience, and a touch of Southwest charm.
We all love a good baked spaghetti, but sometimes it’s fun to shake things up. This Southwestern version takes everything you adore about the classic—the tender noodles, the rich meat sauce, and the gooey melted cheese—and elevates it with a dynamic Tex-Mex profile. The addition of zesty green chilies and briny black olives creates a depth of flavor that is both unique and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that even on your busiest days, a flavorful and homemade meal is within reach. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions and additions to suit your family’s preferences. If you have cooked ground beef and sautéed onion already prepared and tucked away in your freezer, you’re ahead of the game! Simply thaw and heat them, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Southwestern Baked Spaghetti
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that combine the comforting essence of a pasta bake with the lively kick of Tex-Mex cuisine. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The mild heat from green chilies, the earthy notes of black olives, and the robust spaghetti sauce blend seamlessly with seasoned ground beef, creating a taste sensation that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish loved by all ages! You can easily adjust the spice level to cater to everyone’s palate, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for novice cooks. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This spaghetti bake is an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It also freezes beautifully, offering a convenient option for future meals.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, and plenty of cheese, it’s a filling dish that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Recipe
Baked Southwestern Spaghetti
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 ½ lbs. ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 26 ounces jar spaghetti sauce
- 4 ounces can diced green chilies, chopped
- 2.25 ounces can sliced black olives, drained
- 10 ounces can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Toppings as desired, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, hot peppers, etc.
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
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While the spaghetti is cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the beef is almost done, add the chopped onion and continue to cook until the onion is tender and translucent.
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Drain any excess fat from the beef and onion mixture. Add the spaghetti sauce, diced green chilies, drained sliced black olives, and drained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through and simmering gently.
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Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, combine it with the savory meat mixture in a large bowl. Ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the Tex-Mex sauce.
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Prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the spaghetti and meat mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted and the edges are lightly browned.
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Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings.
Notes
The nutritional data provided does not include any additional toppings.
Nutrition per serving
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Tips for the Best Baked Southwestern Spaghetti
Achieving a perfectly balanced and flavorful baked spaghetti is easy with these helpful tips:
- Al Dente Pasta is Key: Cook your spaghetti according to package directions, but make sure it’s al dente (still firm to the bite). It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it initially prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Thoroughly Drain Ground Beef: After browning the ground beef and cooking the onion, it’s crucial to drain any excess fat. This prevents your spaghetti bake from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, richer flavor.
- Flavor layering: Don’t rush the simmering step for the meat sauce. Allowing the sauce to gently simmer helps meld the flavors of the spaghetti sauce, green chilies, olives, and diced tomatoes, creating a more cohesive and delicious end product.
- Even Distribution: When mixing the spaghetti with the meat sauce, ensure every strand is coated. This guarantees that each bite is packed with the delightful Tex-Mex flavors.
- Non-Stick Prep: Generously spray your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup much easier.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The shredded cheddar cheese adds a crucial layer of creamy, salty goodness. For an extra kick, consider a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even a little pepper jack cheese.
Variations & Customizations
This Baked Southwestern Spaghetti recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs:
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture, or even some finely diced jalapeños along with the green chilies.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by incorporating other vegetables. Corn (canned, frozen, or fresh), bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), or even a handful of spinach can be stirred into the meat sauce.
- Protein Alternatives: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. If using ground turkey or chicken, you might want to add a bit more seasoning as they are leaner.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses! Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend can add distinct flavors and melt beautifully.
- Bean Power: For extra protein and fiber, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans into the meat sauce. This will make the dish even heartier.
- Smoked Paprika: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to the sauce, enhancing the Tex-Mex profile.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Baked Southwestern Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread is a classic Southwestern accompaniment that’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Rice: A side of fluffy cilantro-lime rice can complement the flavors and add another layer of texture.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with a bowl of crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or crushing over the top for added texture.
Don’t forget the toppings! The suggested toppings—shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and hot peppers—are essential for that authentic Tex-Mex experience. Other great options include sliced avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Storage and Reheating
This Baked Southwestern Spaghetti is excellent for meal planning and leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: To freeze, allow the baked spaghetti to cool completely. You can freeze individual portions or the entire dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger quantities, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
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Conclusion
This Baked Southwestern Spaghetti recipe is a testament to how simple tweaks can transform a familiar favorite into something extraordinary. It’s a dish that promises comfort, bold flavors, and a satisfying meal for the whole family, all with minimal effort. Whether you’re a Tex-Mex aficionado or just looking for a delicious twist on your pasta routine, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with extra toppings or variations, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable meal!