Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti: Flavorful Comfort Feast

Name: Delicious 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; 0.5 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; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 16 ounces spaghetti cooked according to package instructions; 1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese for topping; Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Ready for something bold that tastes like a fiesta on your plate? The Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick of spicy, savory Mexican flavors — and I promise, it’s easier than you think!

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I came across this Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe when I wanted something comforting but with a little zip — and I fell hard. It’s the kind of dish that turns my kitchen into a warm, inviting space filled with cheesy, spicy aromas that make you smile before the first bite even hits.

Flavor explosion: The combination of taco-seasoned beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese sauce makes every forkful unforgettable.
Easy comfort food: You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen; this recipe comes together quickly and simply.
Great for gatherings: Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party, this dish pleases a crowd with minimal fuss.
Customizable spice level: You control the heat — so everyone at your table can enjoy it just right.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe plays a star role. From the perfectly seasoned beef sauce to the melt-in-your-mouth cheesy spaghetti, the layers all come together to create a beautifully balanced dish. I'd say the key is picking fresh veggies and a good quality cheese — that really makes a difference.

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: For sautéing veggies and locking in flavor without overpowering.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once cooked down.
Green bell pepper: Gives a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly bitter contrast.
Garlic: A must for that aromatic kick — don’t be shy, more garlic equals more yum.
Ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all those bold seasonings.
Taco seasoning packet: This is the shortcut that brings classic Mexican spice flavors without fuss.
Salt & black pepper: Basic, but essential for balancing flavors.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide tangy juiciness that complements the richness.
Enchilada sauce: Packed with smoky, spicy depth – the secret sauce to making this authentically spicy and delicious.
Butter: Creates richness in the creamy cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce into that dreamy, silky texture.
Whole milk: The base for the creamy sauce – don’t substitute with low-fat or it won’t be the same.
Shredded Colby Jack cheese: The melty, mellow cheese that ties everything together beautifully.
Spaghetti: The cozy carb base that soaks up all those bold flavors.
Fresh cilantro: The freshest pop for garnish that brightens 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

One of the things I love about this Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or what you have on hand. I often bump up the heat with some fresh jalapeños or swap out the beef for turkey to lighten it up a bit.

Heat it up: When I’m craving more spice, I add chopped chipotle in adobo or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce — just as fiery as you want.
Vegetarian swap: I’ve replaced the beef with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a veggie-packed version that’s just as satisfying.
Cheese choice: Sometimes I mix in sharp cheddar or even queso fresco for a different cheesy vibe.
Make it gluten-free: Just switch the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free too.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti 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: Sauté the Veggies and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in diced onions and cook until they soften — about 3 minutes. Then add diced green bell pepper and cook for another couple of minutes. Stir in minced garlic last so it gets fragrant but doesn't burn, about 1 minute. This base layer is where all the flavor magic starts.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Season It

Next, add the ground beef to your skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it's nicely browned, which usually takes about 6–8 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat, unless you like it extra rich. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then mix everything well so every bite bursts with that classic Mexican flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce, stir gently, and bring the mixture to a low simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and the flavors blend. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce looks rich and glossy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While your meat sauce simmers, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly — just about a minute until it smells amazing. Whisk in flour quickly to form a roux; keep whisking so it doesn’t clump or brown. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly so your sauce stays silky smooth. Keep cooking it for a few minutes until it thickens, then stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until it's fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Toss Spaghetti with Cheese Sauce

Drain your cooked spaghetti pasta and transfer it to a large bowl or the same saucepan. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every strand of spaghetti is luxuriously coated.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and spread the cheesy spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Spoon the meat sauce over the top and spread it out nicely. Then, pile on the extra shredded Colby Jack cheese—because there’s no such thing as too much cheese in this dish! Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of color and fresh brightness. Serve hot and watch everyone go back for seconds (or thirds!).

Top Tip

From my experience cooking this Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe multiple times, a few simple tricks made all the difference between just good and unforgettable.

Use whole milk: It creates the creamiest cheese sauce; I tried skim once, and it just wasn’t the same indulgent texture.
Don’t rush the roux: Cooking the flour and butter mixture just right prevents lumps and gives you a perfectly smooth sauce.
Season your meat well: The taco seasoning plus a little extra salt and pepper really makes the beef sing.
Drain excess fat: It keeps the dish from becoming greasy but leaves plenty of flavor.

How to Serve Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti 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

I’m all about fresh cilantro for a bright finish but sometimes add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime to balance the heat. If you like it extra spicy, sliced jalapeños on top bring a fresh crunch and fiery pop.

Side Dishes

To keep things true to the Mexican-inspired theme, I like serving this alongside a simple corn salad or even some charred street corn with a sprinkle of cotija cheese. A crisp lettuce and avocado salad also pairs beautifully to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, try serving the Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti in individual ramekins topped with cheese and baked until golden. You could even turn it into a layered Mexican lasagna style for a showstopper centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too. I recommend portioning it into single-serving containers before freezing so you can just defrost exactly what you need. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion into the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if the cheese sauce has thickened too much. Stir gently halfway through heating to keep it creamy and avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the ground beef for extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even cooked lentils, and you’ll still get that hearty, comforting vibe. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain that spicy kick.

What type of cheese works best in the cheese sauce?

I recommend Colby Jack for its great meltability and mild flavor that complements the spice well. However, you can mix in sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even queso fresco if you want a different flavor profile.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meat sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. The cheese sauce can also be prepared in advance and gently reheated before mixing with pasta. Assembling and baking can happen on the day you want to serve, keeping it fresh and delicious.

How do I control the spiciness level in this dish?

You’re in control! Use mild enchilada sauce and reserve adding extra chili powders or jalapeños until after tasting. For a milder version, stick to just the taco seasoning and no extra heat; for more heat, add fresh diced chilies or hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Mexican Cheese Spaghetti Recipe has become my go-to whenever I crave something cheezy and spicy with tons of heart. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, with enough zest to keep things exciting. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again—your friends will love it too, and you’ll have a new favorite way to do spaghetti with a spicy, cheesy twist.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way