This Mexican Pasta is a fun twist on traditional pasta, blending noodles with bold flavors like tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. It’s colorful, tasty, and perfect for any meal!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how quick this dish comes together! Just toss everything in one pot and enjoy a fiesta on your plate. It’s pasta night done right! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using radiatori or rotini for this dish. Their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can swap in penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta can also work if needed!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds great flavor. For a lighter option, you could use ground turkey or chicken. If you want a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or lentils as a protein substitute.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are fantastic, but canned diced tomatoes are convenient and just as tasty. If you’re feeling adventurous, use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
Spices: This recipe shines with its spice mix. You can adjust or add spices according to your preferences. If you’re avoiding heat, skip the cayenne pepper or utilize mild chili powder.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking the ground beef well is essential for great flavor. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with medium heat to avoid browning too quickly.
- Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Aim for a nice, dark brown color—this adds depth to your sauce.
- If you’re draining excess fat, do it after browning but before adding spices. This keeps the flavors rich without being greasy.
Following these steps will lead to perfectly cooked ground beef that enhances your Mexican Pasta dish! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Mexican Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (radiatori or rotini work well)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
Vegetables & Flavoring:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
Spices:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish
- Grated Mexican cheese blend or Parmesan for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mexican Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and boiling the pasta and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and easy dish that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it for about 3-4 minutes or until it turns translucent. Then, mix in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until you start to smell its delicious aroma!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to your skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook while breaking the meat apart with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. If there’s too much fat, carefully drain some out, but leave enough for flavor!
4. Mix in the Spices:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Let this cook for about a minute—this helps bring out all those delicious flavors.
5. Add the Tomatoes:
Add the tomato paste and the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. To help loosen the sauce a bit, pour in the beef broth or water and mix it well.
6. Let it Simmer:
Let the sauce simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken up nicely.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the meat sauce. Give it a good stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Serve the Mexican Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of your favorite cheese! Enjoy this rich and hearty meal!
This dish brings together the comforting texture of pasta with vibrant Mexican flavors, creating a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. It will still provide a delicious base for the spices and sauce, just be sure not to overcook it to keep it moist.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work perfectly too. Water is also an option, just consider adding a bit of extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the different proteins.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
