Name: Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
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 cozy dinner packed with bold flavors, this Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine spicy taco-seasoned ground beef mingled with creamy cheesy pasta—comfort food meets fiesta night!

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 Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can't get enough of this Mexican-inspired spaghetti bake. It’s the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and satisfying that reminds me of family dinners where everyone asks for seconds.

Bold Flavor Bite: The taco seasoning and enchilada sauce pack a punch that’s familiar but with a unique twist.
Cheesy Comfort: Creamy Colby Jack coats every noodle for that melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
Easy Weeknight Meal: From skillet to oven in under an hour with minimal fuss.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for busy days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I shop for this recipe, I always make sure the spices and cheeses are fresh because they really elevate the dish. Using real Colby Jack cheese is a game-changer—it melts smoothly and adds just the right touch of creaminess.

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 rich flavor without overpowering the spices.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly crunchy texture that balances the richness.
Garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch in both meat and cheese sauces.
Ground beef: The hearty protein foundation, perfect for absorbing those Mexican spices.
Taco seasoning: The secret blend that delivers the signature spicy Mexican flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring everything together.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a naturally tangy and abundant base for the meat sauce.
Enchilada sauce: Adds authentic Mexican warmth and spice to the sauce.
Butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to velvety perfection.
Whole milk: Ensures the sauce is silky and luscious.
Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Key for melty, gooey cheese layers in the sauce and topping.
Spaghetti: The perfect pasta to hold onto creamy sauce and meaty goodness.
Fresh cilantro: A bright garnish that freshens up every bite.

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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 Cheese Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Adding your own twist can make it even more special and perfectly tailored for your family or friends.

Lean Meat Variation: I often swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal without compromising flavor. It still soaks up all those rich, spicy tomato and enchilada sauce notes beautifully.
Turn Up the Heat: If you love things spicy, adding chopped jalapeños right with the bell pepper really wakes up the meat sauce with a lovely kick.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is easy to adapt – just use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative. It’s just as delicious and safe for gluten-free diets.
Fresh or No Cilantro: The chopped cilantro garnish adds a fresh, herbal brightness, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, no worries! It’s still fantastic served without it.
Seasonal Tweaks: Feel free to add other veggies you love—corn or black beans stirred into the meat sauce add extra color, texture, and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with 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 Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it just begins to soften and turn translucent—this is when the sweetness starts to develop. Next, toss in the diced green bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally so the peppers soften but still hold a bit of crunch. Finally, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This trio of aromatics forms the flavor base that gives your meat sauce its rich and inviting character.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Season It Well

Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to get an even, crumbly texture. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes depending on your stovetop. Don’t forget to carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy. Then, stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper—make sure everything is well combined so every bite bursts with balanced Mexican-inspired flavors.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Enchilada Sauce

Pour in a 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a 15-ounce can of enchilada sauce. Stir the sauce gently, then reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly—stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Once your meat sauce is fragrant and rich, set it aside while you prepare the creamy cheese sauce and pasta.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Colby Jack Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—your kitchen is going to smell amazing! Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux. Next, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Finally, stir in 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper for that perfect cheesy balance.

Step 5: Toss Spaghetti with Cheese Sauce

Cook 16 ounces of spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Immediately toss the pasta with your creamy cheese sauce in a large bowl or right in the saucepan. Make sure every strand is evenly coated—the cheesy richness should hug the noodles completely, creating a velvety base for the zesty meat sauce layering to come.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Your Mexican Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread the creamy cheese-coated spaghetti mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Spoon the prepared meat sauce over the top, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. Finally, generously sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the meat sauce for that melty, golden blanket we all crave. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and tinged with golden brown spots—this is the sign it’s ready to come out and be enjoyed!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top as a vibrant, fresh garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. Serve your spicy Mexican spaghetti hot while the cheese is still gooey and the sauce perfectly melded—trust me, this comfort food with a bold twist will have everyone asking for seconds!

Top Tip

Getting the most out of your Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures just right. Here are some tips that have made my own cooking experience smoother and more delicious!

Use Fresh Garlic: Adding fresh minced garlic both in the meat sauce and cheese sauce makes a huge difference. It brings that authentic bold flavor that pre-minced garlic just can’t replicate.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente according to the package instructions. I learned that slightly undercooked noodles hold up better during baking and won’t turn mushy.
Even Cheese Distribution: Toss the spaghetti well with the creamy cheese sauce before layering it in the casserole dish. This ensures every forkful has that luscious cheesy goodness.
Drain Excess Fat: After browning the ground beef, draining excess fat kept the dish from becoming too greasy and let the taco seasoning shine through beautifully.

How to Serve Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with 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

Garnishing your Mexican Spaghetti is the perfect way to brighten the rich, hearty flavors. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that cut through the cheesy richness. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of lime juice or some thinly sliced jalapeños also pairs wonderfully. If you like a crunch, a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or toasted pepitas can add fun texture contrasts.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you're looking to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp green salad with avocado and a tangy lime dressing, or refried beans with a little melted cheese on top. A side of warm, soft tortillas or garlic bread also pairs nicely to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a great candidate for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Let the baked spaghetti cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover the dish loosely and heat in one-minute increments, stirring gently in between to keep it evenly warm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Mexican Spaghetti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use cooked lentils or beans. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for more texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of Colby Jack cheese?

Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend work perfectly as substitutes while maintaining that melty, creamy texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. If you want more heat, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese sauce a day ahead and assemble right before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about this Spicy Mexican Spaghetti with Cheese Recipe—its layers of bold flavors, creamy cheese, and satisfying textures make it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, or simply craving a warm meal, this dish delivers every time. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to make it a regular in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every delicious bite!