Name: Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake 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 comfort dish with a zesty twist, this Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends the familiar coziness of baked spaghetti with bold Mexican flavors that bring a flavorful fiesta right to your dinner table.

The image shows a close-up of a layered baked pasta dish in a white rectangular dish. The bottom layer contains thick pasta noodles mixed with a chunky meat sauce that looks rich and reddish-brown. Above this, there is a thick layer of melted cheese in shades of yellow and white, slightly browned on top. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled onto the cheese layer, adding a pop of color. A blue and white patterned spoon is scooping up some of the pasta and sauce, lifting it out from one corner of the dish. 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 Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Mexican spaghetti casserole quickly became one of my go-to weeknight meals. It’s just the right balance of creamy, cheesy comfort with a punch of taco-inspired spice that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Simple layering: Combining layers of cheesy spaghetti and rich taco-seasoned meat sauce makes every bite satisfying.
Easy prep & bake: You can whip this up in about 50 minutes total — perfect for busy evenings.
Family-friendly flavors: Everyone loves the familiar taste of taco seasoning but with a cheesy pasta twist.
Customizable: Easily switch up ingredients like cheese or add jalapeños for extra heat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right mix of ingredients makes this creamy Mexican spaghetti bake shine. I always look for fresh produce, quality ground beef, and a good melting cheese like Colby Jack to get that perfect gooey texture.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a medium whole yellow onion, a whole green bell pepper, three peeled garlic cloves, a mound of raw ground beef, a small white ceramic bowl of reddish crushed tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red enchilada sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded Colby Jack cheese, a neat coil of uncooked yellow spaghetti pasta, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh green chopped cilantro, arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 sautéeing veggies and adding a silky base without overpowering flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp element balancing the rich sauces.
Garlic: Essential for aromatics, appearing in both sauces for layered flavor.
Ground beef: The hearty protein that carries the taco seasoning and makes this casserole filling.
Taco seasoning: The key to infusing that classic Mexican flavor punch.
Salt & black pepper: To balance and enhance all the components.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide natural acidity and texture to the savory meat sauce.
Enchilada sauce: Adds richness and depth with its signature blend of spices.
Butter: The fat base for creating a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce into that luscious consistency.
Whole milk: Gives the cheese sauce richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and offers the mild, creamy flavor perfect for this bake.
Spaghetti: The pasta foundation — cooked just al dente to hold up under baking.
Fresh cilantro: A bright, herbaceous garnish to lift the dish just before serving.

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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 Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you like it spicier, lighter, or with a twist on the cheese, small adjustments can make it hit just the right note for your family or guests.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the ground beef for diced mushrooms and black beans. I love this because it adds earthiness and extra protein without sacrificing flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the meat sauce. It’s my go-to when I’m craving a little heat to brighten up the rich creamy sauce.
Cheese Swap: Use a Mexican cheese blend or mild cheddar instead of Colby Jack. I tried this once with a smoked cheddar, and the subtle smoky flavor took this dish to the next level!
Lighter Version: Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk for the cheese sauce. It still tastes indulgent but feels a bit lighter on the tummy.
Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. I always add an extra 5 minutes to the bake time when it’s cold straight from the fridge—perfect for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe

A close-up of a white plate with a portion of spaghetti layered with rich red tomato sauce mixed with browned ground meat, topped with melted yellow and white cheese and sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. The spaghetti strands are slightly twisted and coated in the sauce, making the dish look creamy and hearty. The plate rests on a wooden table with fresh green herbs around it and a gold fork at the bottom right. In the background, a white casserole dish filled with more of the cheesy spaghetti bake is slightly out of focus, with green herbs and a red bell pepper nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies and Brown the Beef

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it softens and smells sweet. Then add the diced green bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally so everything cooks evenly. Next, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute until wonderfully fragrant. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until nicely browned. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.

Step 2: Season and Simmer the Meat Sauce

Sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the beef and veggies with the bold flavors. Pour in the 15-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce. Lower the heat and let this simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. When your sauce looks rich and inviting, set it aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux—this will thicken your sauce perfectly. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toss the Spaghetti in the Cheese Sauce

Cook 16 ounces of spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente—this means it’s tender but still has a bite. Drain the pasta well. Immediately combine the hot spaghetti with the creamy cheese sauce in a large bowl or the same saucepan you used for the sauce. Toss gently until every strand is evenly coated in that luscious cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread the creamy, cheesy spaghetti mixture evenly into the dish, creating a beautiful base layer. Spoon the warm meat sauce on top, spreading it out to cover the spaghetti evenly. Finish by sprinkling 1 ½ cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the meat layer—it’ll melt into a perfect golden topping during baking.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish

Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and inviting. Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro generously over the casserole for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it up warm, grab a fork, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of your homemade Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake!

Top Tip

These tips will help make your Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe even more delicious and stress-free to prepare. From perfect spaghetti texture to balancing flavors, a few tricks go a long way!

Cook Spaghetti Al Dente: I always cook the spaghetti just until al dente because it continues to cook in the oven. This helps avoid mushy noodles in the final bake.
Use Lean Ground Beef: Through trial and error, I found lean ground beef is key. It reduces excess grease but keeps the meat flavorful and tender.
Layer Evenly: Spreading both the creamy cheese sauce pasta and the meat sauce evenly in the casserole ensures every bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the meat sauce simmer for the full 10 minutes really develops those bold Mexican flavors—definitely worth the wait!

How to Serve Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with a layer of chopped light green bell peppers and translucent diced onions, topped with uneven chunks of bright red ground meat scattered across the center; the pan is placed on a wooden surface with a white salt container and a black pepper grinder on a small wooden tray nearby, and a teal cloth partially visible on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top brightens up the rich, cheesy casserole with a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a few jalapeño slices for extra creaminess and a bit of heat. Lime wedges on the side are perfect for a zesty squeeze that complements the spiced meat sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy Mexican spaghetti bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the indulgence. Consider serving it alongside Mexican street corn (elote), refried beans, or simple black beans for a complete and hearty meal. Warm garlic bread or tortilla chips are also delicious accompaniments to scoop up any leftover sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, the flavors have time to meld, and reheating is quick and easy for a satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) by covering it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s hot all the way through.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore that fresh-baked bubbly texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. You can keep the same spices and sauces for that smoky Mexican flavor.

What if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese?

You can substitute with a Mexican cheese blend, mild cheddar, or even Monterey Jack. These will melt nicely and complement the flavors just as well.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has a mild, approachable spice level from the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. If you prefer more heat, try adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce during the meat sauce step.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if baking it chilled.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mexican Spaghetti Bake Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. I love how the creamy cheese sauce balances the bold flavors of the meat sauce, and topping it all with fresh cilantro gives it just the right freshness. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine—enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!