Spicy Southwestern Vegan Baked Spaghetti
This Spicy Southwestern Vegan Baked Spaghetti is a flavor-packed twist on the classic baked spaghetti dish. Combining hearty black beans, sweet corn, and colorful bell peppers with spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, this casserole gets a satisfying kick from spices like cumin and chili powder. Ideal for meal prep, this dish is not only budget-friendly but also versatile—add any veggies or proteins you like to make it your own. Leftovers are incredibly tasty, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Enjoy a wholesome meal that delights the senses and fills you up!
6
Servings
367
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
8 ounces (cooked)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
corn
1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
red bell pepper
1 medium (chopped)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
oregano
1/2-1 teaspoon (dried)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans
shredded cheddar cheese
3/4-1 cup (or Daiya for vegan option)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
cilantro
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic until they become tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
4
Add the rinsed black beans and corn to the skillet, mixing well and cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
5
Pour in the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the bean and tomato sauce mixture. Stir until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
7
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Daiya) generously over the top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
11
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
58g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Southwestern Vegan Baked Spaghetti?
It is a flavor-packed, budget-friendly casserole that combines spaghetti, black beans, corn, and bell peppers in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Southwestern spices.
Is this recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as long as you use a plant-based cheese alternative like Daiya as suggested in the ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this baked spaghetti contains approximately 367 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The dish should be baked for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
What size casserole dish is required?
You should use a 9x13 inch casserole dish lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn.
What kind of pasta is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti.
Does this dish work well for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as the leftovers are incredibly tasty and perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
What spices are used for the Southwestern flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
How much fat and carbohydrates are in the dish?
Each serving contains 7g of fat and 58g of carbohydrates.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
What vegetables are sautéed in the beginning?
You start by sautéing chopped onion, one medium red bell pepper, and three minced garlic cloves.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is best garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
Can I add other proteins or vegetables?
Yes, the recipe is very versatile; you can add any vegetables or additional proteins you prefer to make it your own.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Is the spaghetti mixed with the sauce before baking?
Yes, you combine the cooked spaghetti with the bean and tomato sauce mixture in a large bowl before transferring it to the casserole dish.
What oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a budget-friendly meal option.
Does the recipe contain any salt or pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
How much cheese is required for the topping?
The recipe suggests using 3/4 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Daiya.
When should the spices be added?
The spices should be stirred in after the initial vegetables have softened, and cooked for 2 minutes to allow them to bloom.
Is there any sugar or cholesterol in this recipe?
According to the provided data, the values for sugar and cholesterol are not specified (null).
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish has a spicy, Southwestern profile with a rich tomato base.
Can I use dried oregano?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.