Name: Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion diced; 1 green bell pepper diced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 15 ounce can enchilada sauce; 2 Tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic minced; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 16 ounces spaghetti cooked according to package instructions; 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese for topping; Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, you’re in for a treat. This Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe combines all the best Tex-Mex elements—taco-seasoned beef, a luscious creamy cheese sauce, and baked cheesy goodness—into one unforgettable dish.

A white rectangular dish holds a baked spaghetti casserole with three visible layers: at the bottom, a brown and chunky meat sauce mixed with diced onions; in the middle, a thick layer of creamy, tangled spaghetti coated in the sauce; on top, a golden-yellow melted cheese layer sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. A blue and white patterned serving spoon lifts a portion from the dish, showing the cheese stretching over the noodles and meat below. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this spicy Mexican spaghetti more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. There’s just something about the creamy cheese sauce melting together with that bold, saucy meat goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Bold flavor: Taco seasoning and enchilada sauce bring authentic Tex-Mex spice to every bite.
Cheesy comfort: The creamy cheese sauce coats each strand of spaghetti perfectly, making it irresistibly satisfying.
Easy to make: Prepping this dish takes just 20 minutes, and it bakes beautifully in the oven.
Feeds a crowd: With 6 hearty servings, it’s great for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples with a little southwestern flair. When shopping, look for fresh veggies and a good-quality shredded Colby Jack cheese to get that melty, mild, creamy texture in the sauce.

Flat lay of a mound of uncooked golden spaghetti noodles, a small white bowl of shiny olive oil, a medium white ceramic bowl filled with diced white onion, a small white bowl holding diced vibrant green bell pepper, a small white bowl with peeled whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing raw ground beef, a small white bowl with reddish-brown taco seasoning powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a simple white ceramic bowl holding crushed bright red tomatoes, a small white bowl filled with smooth red enchilada sauce, a small white bowl with yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl with smooth white flour powder, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with shredded Colby Jack cheese showing marbled white and orange, and a small white bowl with fresh green chopped cilantro leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce base.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh crunch and color contrast.
Garlic: Aromatic punch that powers both the meat and cheese sauces.
Ground beef: The hearty protein foundation of this casserole.
Taco seasoning: Infuses classic Tex-Mex spices effortlessly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all ingredients.
Crushed tomatoes: Provides tang and moisture for the meat sauce.
Enchilada sauce: Adds richness and that signature Mexican flavor depth.
Butter: Used in the cheese sauce to create a smooth roux.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy cheese sauce for perfect coating.
Whole milk: Gives the cheese sauce its creamy, silky body.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, creamy taste.
Spaghetti: Classic pasta that holds up well to baking and soaking up sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Bright, fresh garnish that cuts through richness beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to put your own spin on a classic Tex-Mex comfort dish. Whether you like it hotter, lighter, or packed with extra veggies, it’s easy to customize without losing any of the cozy, cheesy goodness.

Swap the Meat: For a leaner dish, I often swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It still soaks up the taco seasoning beautifully and keeps things lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Turn Up the Heat: Love extra spice? Adding chopped fresh jalapeños into the meat sauce or stirring in a dash of your favorite hot sauce really amps up the kick, making this Mexican spaghetti your own fiery creation.
Cheese Choices: Don’t have Colby Jack on hand? I’ve used cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with great results — both melt smoothly and have that mild Tex-Mex vibe that complements the sauce perfectly.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in some corn kernels or black beans into the meat sauce. These add texture and a sweet pop that pairs surprisingly well with the rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Make it Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with seasoned lentils or crumbled tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version. The taco seasoning and enchilada sauce keep it packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of cheesy spaghetti bake, showing about three layers: light golden melted cheese on top with bits of chopped green herbs, beneath that a mix of spaghetti noodles with visible pieces of cooked ground meat and red tomato sauce that blends with the cheese, and the bottom layer of noodles and sauce slightly visible. The plate is on a white marbled surface with some green parsley around and a gold fork nearby. In the background, there is a white baking dish filled with more spaghetti bake and some fresh green herbs and a red bell pepper partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies for That Flavor Base

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook it for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften and gives off a sweet aroma. Then add the diced green bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. These veggies build the flavorful foundation of your sauce—make sure they soften but still keep a bit of their crunch for texture.

Step 2: Garlic and Ground Beef – The Heart of the Sauce

Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—that garlicky scent means you're on the right track! Then add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s fully browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat; it keeps the sauce from getting greasy.

Step 3: Season and Simmer Your Meat Sauce

To that browned beef, add 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir this well so every bit of beef is coated in ranch-like Tex-Mex goodness. Pour in your 15-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce, then lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to meld those bold flavors.

Step 4: Whip Up That Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour while whisking constantly to create a smooth roux—cook this for about 1 minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring and cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency. Finally, stir in 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until melted into a silky sauce.

Step 5: Combine Spaghetti with Cheese Bliss

Cook 16 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente—this helps prevent mushiness after baking. Drain well, then toss the hot spaghetti with your creamy cheese sauce until every strand is luxuriously coated. This is the gooey, dreamy base that makes this dish so comforting.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Your Tex-Mex Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the cheesy spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish, then spoon the meat sauce on top and spread it out smoothly. Next, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over everything for that irresistible golden crust. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the casserole for a fresh, bright finish. Serve hot and get ready to enjoy every comforting, cheesy, spicy bite of your homemade Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most flavor and perfect texture every time you make this Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe. A few simple tricks can take your dish from great to unforgettable!

Drain the Beef Fat: I always drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to keep the sauce rich but not greasy, which really balances the flavors beautifully.
Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: Cooking the spaghetti just until al dente prevents it from turning mushy after baking – I learned this the hard way after overcooked pasta ruined a batch.
Layer Your Casserole: Spreading the creamy cheese sauce-coated spaghetti first, then the meat sauce, and topping with extra cheese creates a perfect harmony of texture and flavor in every bite.
Add Fresh Cilantro at the End: Avoid cooking the cilantro in the oven to keep its bright, fresh essence – sprinkled right before serving adds the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe

A black cast iron pan holds a mix of finely chopped green bell peppers and translucent diced onions spread evenly on the bottom layer. On top of this, several chunks of raw, bright red ground beef are placed in a loose scattered pattern. The pan rests on a wooden cutting board with a small salt container filled with pink salt and a stone pepper grinder with multi-colored peppercorns on the top left. A dark green cloth is positioned at the bottom right corner of the board. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped cilantro is a classic garnish that brightens the whole dish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or a sprinkle of diced green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Mexican street corn salad, tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa, or a light green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days – perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner reheats.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked casserole either before or after baking. Cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions stirring halfway for even heat. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils to keep the hearty texture. Just season and cook them as you would the beef.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

Sure! Use mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of enchilada sauce, and omit any additional spicy garnishes like jalapeños. The creamy cheese sauce also helps mellow the heat.

Can I prepare the meat sauce and cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Both sauces can be made a day ahead and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready, warm them up gently and continue with assembling and baking the casserole.

What is the best type of cheese to use for this recipe?

Colby Jack cheese is recommended for its excellent meltability and mild flavor, but you can also use cheddar or Monterey Jack to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Making this Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to weeknight dinners—it’s cozy, flavorful, and feeds a crowd with ease. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make it a staple in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to garnish generously and savor every cheesy, spicy bite!