Savory Mexican-Inspired Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

This savory Mexican-inspired spaghetti and meatballs recipe combines traditional Italian flavors with a spicy twist. The meatballs are seasoned with Mexican spices and the sauce is simmered with ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos for a delicious fusion of flavors. Serve this dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a side of warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.

Savory Mexican-Inspired Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
  • Prep Time
    30 mins
  • Cook Time
    45 mins
  • Total Time
    1 hrs 15 mins

Ingredients

  • A pound of ground turkey
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of zesty Mexican chili powder
  • A teaspoon of guajillo chili powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • A sprinkle of ground black pepper
  • A generous tablespoon of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • An egg, for binding
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • Some finely chopped onion
  • A small jalapeno pepper, deseeded and minced
  • Half an Anaheim (New Mexico) chile pepper, deseeded and finely minced
  • Two tostada shells, crushed into a delicate crumbly texture
  • A quarter cup of bread crumbs
  • A package of spaghetti, around sixteen ounces
  • A can of diced tomatoes, approximately fourteen and a half ounces
  • Some diced onion
  • A finely chopped chipotle chile in adobo sauce
  • A jar of spaghetti sauce, about twenty-four ounces
  • A spoonful of taco seasoning mix

Step 1

To start off, preheat your oven to a toasty 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grab a baking sheet, line it with aluminum foil, and give it a light spritz of cooking spray for good measure.

Step 2

In a big ol' mixing bowl, plop in your ground turkey like it's a gift from the flavor heavens. Sprinkle in a dash of Mexican chili powder, guajillo chile powder, a hint of salt, a crack of black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Toss in an egg, a drizzle of olive oil, some chopped onion, a jalapeno for a kick, and an Anaheim pepper for a twist. Get in there with your hands, mix it all up until it's a harmonious blend, then dust it with tostada crumbs and bread crumbs. Mix again until everything's cozy. Roll the mixture into cute little 1-inch meatballs and place them on your prepped baking sheet.

Step 3

Pop those meatballs into the oven and let them bake until they're golden brown and cooked through, around 40 minutes. Remember to give them a flip halfway through for even browning.

Step 4

Meanwhile, get a large pot of salty water boiling like a champ. Toss in some spaghetti and let it party in the boiling water until it's al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain it well in a colander and set it aside.

Step 5

As the meatballs finish up, whip up a zesty sauce in a saucepan. Combine diced tomatoes, onions, chipotle chile, spaghetti sauce, and taco seasoning. Let it simmer until the onions are tender and the flavors are mingling beautifully.

Step 6

Once the meatballs are done, nestle them into the sauce and let them mingle for an extra 5 minutes. Serve the saucy meatballs over a bed of spaghetti for a dish that's sure to impress. Enjoy!

Extra Tips & Suggestions

  1. 1. Keep your dried pasta in a cool, dry place like a pantry to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming clumpy.
  2. 2. Store your ground meat and fresh herbs in the refrigerator in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.