Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce

This might be one of my all-time comfort meals: cheesy, saucy, and packed with that classic Southwestern flair. Let me share my favorite Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe that’s sure to become a family hit.

The image shows a close-up of a white baking dish filled with a layered pasta casserole. The bottom layer is made of long spaghetti noodles mixed with a reddish-brown meat sauce, which has a thick, chunky texture. The middle layer is covered with melted pale yellow and orange cheese, slightly browned around the edges. Small green leaves, likely parsley, are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh color contrast. A blue and white patterned spoon scoops out a portion, lifting up the cheesy pasta mixture, showing the layers clearly. 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 Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how often this recipe saves the day when I want something hearty and flavorful but fast to make. It hits all the right notes with a creamy cheese sauce layered over richly spiced meat and tender spaghetti. Seriously, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Rich and creamy texture: The cheese sauce coats every noodle perfectly, giving the dish a velvety feel that's hard to resist.
Bold Mexican flavors: The combination of taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and fresh garlic brings so much authentic taste without a complicated process.
Family-friendly and filling: Kids and adults alike love it, and it pairs well with simple sides, making dinner prep easy.
Customizable and versatile: You can tweak the veggies, add heat, or swap meats to match your pantry and preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its part to create this delicious harmony. The ground beef provides satisfying heartiness, while the combo of crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce brings that signature Mexican flair. The creamy cheese sauce melts everything together with smooth richness.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a medium yellow onion halved to show its layers, a whole green bell pepper with stem, three peeled garlic cloves, a portion of raw ground beef shaped loosely, an open paper packet of taco seasoning discarded (excluded to follow rules), a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse salt, another small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl filled with vibrant crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl with rich red enchilada sauce, a few tablespoons of smooth yellow butter, a white ceramic bowl with pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of creamy whole milk, a pile of shredded Colby Jack cheese, a neat bundle of uncooked spaghetti strands tied with a twine, and a small handful of fresh green cilantro leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: A light and flavorful fat that helps soften your veggies without overpowering the dish.
Onion and green bell pepper: These two add sweetness and freshness that balance the rich sauces beautifully.
Garlic: A powerhouse flavor that intensifies both the meat sauce and the cheese sauce.
Ground beef: The hearty base for the meat sauce—browned and seasoned for depth.
Taco seasoning: Adds that instant Mexican spice blend so you don’t have to fuss with multiple spices.
Crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce: These give a tangy, layered tomato flavor with an extra zing from the enchilada sauce.
Butter and flour: The start of your creamy cheese sauce—the roux thickens the sauce so it clings to every strand of spaghetti nicely.
Whole milk: Creates a luscious sauce base that’s rich but still light enough to keep the pasta creamy.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a mild, buttery flavor that’s essential for that classic creamy consistency.
Spaghetti: The perfect pasta choice here—its thin strands capture the sauce well without being too heavy.
Fresh cilantro: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds freshness and a bit of color to the finished dish.

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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

I love how flexible this Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe is. Sometimes I add a handful of corn or black beans for a veggie boost or kick up the heat with chopped jalapeños. Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten it up or make it a bit more budget-friendly.

Vegetarian variation: I once swapped the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and lentils – it turned out surprisingly satisfying and still full of flavor.
Extra spicy: Adding chipotle chili powder or a dash of hot sauce gives it a smoky heat that my family can’t get enough of.
Cheese swap: Monterey Jack or mild cheddar work well if you can’t find Colby Jack, but I find the latter melts so perfectly.

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

A white textured plate holds a serving of spaghetti layered with a rich reddish-brown meat sauce visible between the strands of pale yellow pasta, topped with melted golden cheese that has slightly browned spots and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The plate is set on a wooden surface, with fresh green herbs scattered around and a hint of a white baking dish filled with the same cheesy pasta in the blurred background. The overall look is warm, hearty, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Meat Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and cook until it starts softening, about 3 minutes, then add the green bell pepper for another 2 minutes. Garlic goes in last to cook gently for about a minute—don’t let it brown or it can get bitter. Now add the ground beef, breaking it up and cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy, then stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes so those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the meat sauce simmers, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Throw in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly—this roux will thicken the sauce, so keep it moving! Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking to keep it smooth, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens nicely. Remove the pot from heat, stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted, then season with salt and black pepper. This creamy, cheesy sauce is what gives the dish its irresistibly silky texture.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Assemble

Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain. Toss the hot pasta in the cheese sauce either right in the saucepan or a large bowl, making sure every strand is coated. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the cheesy spaghetti evenly into the dish, then layer the meat sauce on top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded Colby Jack cheese.

Step 4: Bake, Garnish, and Serve

Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbling and slightly golden. Let it cool for just a few minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro. That final pop of green adds a lovely freshness and color to the dish—plus, it tastes fantastic!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe a real winner. Nothing kills a creamy cheese sauce faster than overheating it or adding cold cheese straight to a hot sauce without gentle stirring—patience here pays off.

Build flavor gradually: Take time with sautéing onions and peppers until tender for the best base flavor.
Drain browned meat well: Excess grease will make the sauce heavy and greasy, so this step saves your dish.
Whisk cheese sauce continuously: To avoid lumps, whisk constantly when adding flour and milk to get that silky texture.
Use fresh cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting—grate your own if you can!

How to Serve Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

A black round pan with two handles is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there is a layer of chopped green bell peppers and diced white onions spread evenly along the bottom. On top of this vegetable layer, raw ground beef is placed in several clumps, bright red in color and textured with thin strands. To the upper left of the pan, a small wooden board holds two stone containers: one with pink salt and the other with mixed peppercorns, adding a natural and fresh cooking vibe. A dark teal cloth is partly visible on the lower right side. The scene is well-lit with natural light, showing all the colors clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this, I love topping it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness and sometimes a squeeze of lime if I want a little zing. A dollop of sour cream can also add a cooling creaminess that balances the spice nicely.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a citrusy dressing or some charred corn on the cob for a true Mexican vibe. I often serve it with warm, soft tortillas as well to soak up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve made smaller individual casseroles in oven-safe ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and cilantro. It turns this humble dinner into something a bit more special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back creaminess if it’s thickened too much.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well too! I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture—this way the cheesy sauce stays smooth and the meat sauce is warm all the way through.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture, or gently on the stovetop with a little water or milk stirred in to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating without adding moisture; otherwise, the cheese sauce might dry out or separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions and ensure it’s al dente for the best texture with the creamy cheese sauce.

What can I do to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free cheese substitute to maintain the creamy sauce, though the texture might differ slightly.

Is it possible to prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meat sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. The cheese sauce is best made fresh but can be reheated gently with a whisk before mixing with the pasta. Then assemble and bake when you’re ready.

How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat?

This recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or jalapeños for spice, or use mild enchilada sauce if you prefer it gentler.

Final Thoughts

The first time I made this Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe, it quickly became a staple in my home. There’s something magical about that creamy, cheesy sauce paired with the vibrant meat sauce that makes dinner feel like a celebration—even on a busy weeknight. I hope once you try it, it becomes one of your go-to recipes too. Don’t forget to save this one for those cozy, cheesy cravings!

Mexican Spaghetti with Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe