If you have been searching for a hearty, flavorful meal that brings a fiesta of tastes to your table, the Mexican Spaghetti Casserole with Taco Beef and Cheesy Enchilada Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines the comforting familiarity of spaghetti with the bold, savory flavors of taco-seasoned beef and a luscious, cheesy enchilada sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become one of your go-to family favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but come together to create a vibrant, balanced dish full of texture, color, and rich flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the aromatic veggies that build the foundation, to the cheesy sauce that wraps everything in creamy goodness.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the veggies and keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.
- Medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Provides a crisp texture and fresh taste that brightens the dish.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Offers a punch of savory aroma essential for both the beef and cheese sauce.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this casserole a filling comfort food.
- Taco seasoning packet: Brings that unmistakable zesty Mexican flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- Can of crushed tomatoes: Adds tanginess and moisture to the taco beef sauce.
- Can of enchilada sauce: The secret ingredient that ups the authenticity and richness of the dish.
- Butter: Creates a smooth base for the cheesy enchilada sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy cheese sauce evenly.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and silky texture to the cheese sauce.
- Colby Jack cheese (shredded): Used both in the sauce and for topping, melting beautifully to tie all flavors together.
- Spaghetti (cooked): The comforting pasta that provides a perfect canvas for the bold toppings.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the finished casserole.
How to Make Mexican Spaghetti Casserole with Taco Beef and Cheesy Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Start by Sautéing the Veggies
Heat olive oil over medium heat and add your diced onions. This step softens the onions and releases their sweetness—an important foundation for the rest of the flavors. Then toss in the green bell pepper and cook until it becomes tender yet still slightly crisp. The smell at this point will have you eagerly anticipating what’s next!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Ground Beef
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking just long enough to become fragrant without burning, then add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces so it browns evenly and creates a nice, meaty texture that contrasts perfectly with the softer ingredients.
Step 3: Season and Simmer the Meat Sauce
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning along with salt and black pepper, mixing well so every bit of beef is coated with that signature Mexican spice blend. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce, stirring to combine. Let everything simmer gently for about ten minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together into a robust meat sauce that’s perfectly saucy but not watery.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Enchilada Sauce
While the meat simmers, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add extra minced garlic for added punch, then whisk in flour to create a roux—this is the magic that thickens your sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk to keep the texture smooth, cooking until it thickens into a creamy base. Finally, stir in shredded Colby Jack cheese and season with salt and pepper for that rich, cheesy comfort.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Once your spaghetti is cooked and drained, toss it in the creamy enchilada cheese sauce until every strand is fully coated. This ensures that each bite has that irresistible cheesy goodness before layering it in your casserole.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the creamy spaghetti evenly in the dish, then spoon the taco beef sauce over it, making sure to cover the pasta well. Top with a generous layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, signaling you’re ready to dive in.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and herbal brightness that complements the cheesy richness beautifully. Serve hot and enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
How to Serve Mexican Spaghetti Casserole with Taco Beef and Cheesy Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish that balances the richness and adds a fresh green pop. A dollop of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado can also add creamy contrasts that elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette or serve it alongside some black beans and Mexican street corn for a fuller, festive meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in ramekins for a cute, personalized touch or add a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top for some added crunch and texture variation. This casserole also works brilliantly for potlucks, and you can easily double the recipe for bigger crowds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy those flavorful bites again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This Mexican Spaghetti Casserole with Taco Beef and Cheesy Enchilada Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or place the casserole in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the beef tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and still delivers great flavor with taco seasoning. Just follow the same steps for cooking the meat.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute to keep all the flavor and texture without the meat.
What kind of cheese works best?
Colby Jack is ideal for this casserole because it melts smoothly and has a mild, buttery flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or mild cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce, and use gluten-free spaghetti to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning choice. Most store-bought varieties are mildly spicy, but you can boost heat by adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like things hotter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a casserole that combines familiar favorites in a new, exciting way, and the Mexican Spaghetti Casserole with Taco Beef and Cheesy Enchilada Sauce Recipe does exactly that. It’s warm, cheesy, packed with flavor, and simple enough to whip up any night you want a dish that feels like a celebration. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your home.
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Mexican Spaghetti Casserole with Taco Beef and Cheesy Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mexican Spaghetti is a flavorful and comforting casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, a tangy tomato and enchilada sauce meat mixture, and a creamy cheesy spaghetti base, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish blends classic Mexican flavors with a creamy pasta twist, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 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
Cheese Sauce & Pasta
- 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
Topping & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add Bell Pepper: Add the diced green bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Season Meat: Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes and enchilada sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer the meat sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in shredded Colby Jack cheese until fully melted into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta & Cheese Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cheese sauce in a large bowl or saucepan until noodles are evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish.
- Layer Meat Sauce: Spoon the prepared meat sauce over the cheesy spaghetti layer and spread it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to prevent a greasy dish.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar if preferred.
- If you want a spicier dish, add extra taco seasoning or some chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
