Mexican Spaghetti Red Cheese

This Mexican Spaghetti is a go-to when comfort food meets bold flavor and convenience. A creamy cheese-laced spaghetti base gets topped with zesty taco-seasoned beef and tangy red sauce for a playful twist on a family favorite. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making dinner irresistibly exciting.

I first whipped this up on a potluck night and everyone went wild for it. Now it is a regular request anytime we want something with a little fiesta flair.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds flavor and helps sweat the onion and pepper choose a good-quality extra-virgin for the best base
• Medium onion: brings sweetness and body look for a firm and heavy onion
• Green bell pepper: adds a mild bite and color pick a glossy fresh pepper
• Fresh garlic: boosts depth and aroma mince yourself for best results
• Ground beef: choose an 80-85 percent lean grind for juicy flavor
• Taco seasoning: shortcut to Mexican flavor make your own or use a trusted store blend
• Salt and black pepper: wake up all the flavors use fresh ground pepper for extra kick
• Crushed tomatoes: create the saucy backbone always check for bright red color
• Enchilada sauce: rounds out the red sauce choose one with a smoky and rich profile
• Butter: forms the cheese sauce base real butter gives richer results
• All-purpose flour: helps make the cheese sauce creamy sift for lump-free sauce
• Whole milk: gives creaminess to the cheese sauce do not swap for lowfat
• Colby Jack cheese: melts beautifully and brings a Mexican-inspired flavor shred your own for the best texture
• Spaghetti: use classic or whole wheat for extra fiber cook just to al dente
• Fresh cilantro: for garnishing adds a fresh pop select vibrant green bunches

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics:

Dice your onion and green pepper and mince the garlic Cook onion in hot olive oil over medium heat for three minutes until softened Stir in the green pepper and continue to cook for two more minutes so everything gets sweet and fragrant Add the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté so it becomes aromatic but not browned

Brown the Beef:

Break your ground beef into the pan with the veggies Cook it over medium heat and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up clumps Keep cooking until the beef is no longer pink and develops good color Tilt the pan and drain off extra fat to keep the sauce from getting greasy

Add the Seasoning and Sauce:

Sprinkle taco seasoning salt and pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture Stir thoroughly so every bite has flavor Pour in the crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce Mix everything together and turn the heat down to low Simmer for ten minutes stirring occasionally until the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens Set meat sauce aside

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant about a minute Whisk in the flour to make a smooth paste or roux Keep whisking for another minute so the flour loses its raw taste Gradually pour in the milk while whisking non-stop This prevents lumps Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken about three to four minutes Lower the heat and add the shredded Colby Jack cheese Stir until everything becomes silky and velvety Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste

Coat the Spaghetti:

Cook your spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions for best texture Until just al dente not mushy Drain and add the hot pasta straight into cheese sauce Toss until every strand is creamy and coated

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Grease a nine by thirteen inch casserole dish Spread the cheesy spaghetti evenly in the dish Pour the warm meat sauce over the top and spread it gently so the flavors layer Sprinkle the reserved Colby Jack cheese all across the surface for an irresistible crust

Bake and Finish:

Slide the casserole dish into the oven Bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes so all the cheese bubbles and browns a bit Remove from the oven Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a bright finish Scoop out hearty servings and savor every bite

I always look forward to adding the extra cheese on top and watching it turn golden in the oven. My kids love helping sprinkle cilantro at the finish and the melty Colby Jack is hands-down their favorite part. Memories of sharing this at a big noisy table make it extra special for me.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to four days Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain creaminess If you have a bit left over try adding a splash of milk when reheating to loosen up the sauce and bring back that creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can stand in for beef for a lighter version Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese works if you cannot find Colby Jack If you love smokier notes use chipotle enchilada sauce and a touch of smoked paprika

Serving Suggestions

Top each plate with avocado slices or diced tomatoes for fresh contrast Serve with black beans or a crunchy green salad to round out the meal This dish shines as part of a taco night buffet too

Cultural Roots of the Recipe

Mexican Spaghetti is a Tex Mex fusion dish that pulls together the flavors of classic Mexican comfort food and American spaghetti casserole It feels like a celebration every time I serve it Family tradition meets weeknight practicality here

How to Adapt for Seasons

As spring brings fresh vegetables stir in summer zucchini or corn In fall try swapping green pepper for poblano or roasted pumpkin Use leftover holiday meats in place of ground beef for a twist

Success Stories

I once made a double batch for a neighborhood gathering and it disappeared in minutes Friends always ask for the recipe and I have yet to bring home leftovers If you are nervous about trying fusion dishes this one wins over both picky and adventurous eaters

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble everything up to the baking step but do not bake Cover tightly and freeze for up to two months To cook thaw overnight then bake as described Lasagna pans or disposable trays make this convenient for gifting or meal trains

I learned through trial and error that patience with both sauces makes all the difference in flavor and texture Try a squeeze of lime over each plate for a zippy finish

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase heat by adding chopped jalapeños, using spicy taco seasoning, or incorporating a hot enchilada sauce.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack or cheddar melt well and pair nicely with the flavors, but any good melting cheese works.

→ What can I serve with Mexican Spaghetti?

Try crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or homemade garlic bread for a complete meal.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.

→ Can ground turkey replace the beef?

Ground turkey is a suitable substitute and absorbs the same rich seasonings for a lighter option.