Easy Mexican Spaghetti: A Cheesy, Zesty Twist on a Comfort Food Favorite

Spaghetti is one of those weeknight staples we all turn to, but sometimes it needs a little more personality. Enter easy Mexican spaghetti — a bold, flavor-packed casserole-style dish that fuses pasta with Tex-Mex flair. It’s smoky, cheesy, zesty, and just the right amount of spicy, with tender spaghetti noodles coated in a hearty ground beef and bean sauce. 

Finished off with bubbling layers of cheddar and pepper jack, this dish transforms everyday spaghetti into something new, exciting, and downright addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mexican Spaghetti

This recipe combines the comfort of pasta with the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired spices. The sauce is layered with chili powder, cumin, and Mexican oregano, giving it an earthy, smoky kick. 

Pinto beans add heartiness, bacon brings a salty crunch, and rotel tomatoes with green chilies bring brightness and spice. Cheese ties it all together, melting into a gooey, bubbly topping that makes every bite satisfying.

The Origins of Mexican Spaghetti

Pasta may be Italian, but its adaptability has made it a canvas for countless global interpretations. 

In Mexico, pasta often shows up in fideo, a vermicelli-like noodle dish simmered in tomato broth. Mexican-American kitchens took the love of pasta further by merging spaghetti with Tex-Mex staples — beans, tomatoes, and plenty of cheese. 

The result is a dish that feels both nostalgic and brand-new, offering comfort while carrying bold southwestern flavors.

Ingredient Breakdown and Flavor Roles

• Spaghetti: The base that soaks up the flavorful sauce.

• Bacon: Adds smoky depth and savory crunch.

• Ground beef: The hearty protein backbone.

• Onion and garlic: Aromatic flavor builders.

• Pinto beans: Add creaminess and protein.

• Tomato sauce and rotel: Provide acidity, spice, and sauciness.

• Chili powder, cumin, and Mexican oregano: Deliver authentic Tex-Mex flair.

• Cheddar and pepper jack cheeses: Balance sharpness, creaminess, and spice.

• Pickled jalapeños: A tangy garnish for heat lovers.

Substitution and Variation Tips

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken to lighten things up. If you’d like more heat, use hot rotel or add fresh diced jalapeños to the sauce. 

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and double up the beans. 

You can also replace spaghetti with penne or rotini for a heartier, casserole-like texture. And if you prefer a creamier version, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

Time and Money-Saving Tips

This dish is perfect for weeknights because it comes together in under an hour and can be prepped ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. 

Using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked ground beef saves even more time. It’s also budget-friendly since pantry staples like beans, pasta, and canned tomatoes make up the bulk of the ingredients, while a little bacon and cheese go a long way in building rich flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. 

Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the pasta seems dry, stir in a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven

• Mixing spoon or spatula

• Baking dish (if not using an oven-proof skillet)

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this cheesy baked spaghetti with a crisp green salad topped with avocado, or pair it with warm flour tortillas and salsa for a fun side. 

It’s also delicious with Mexican street corn on the cob or a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for garnish. If you enjoy spice, don’t skip the pickled jalapeños on top — they add the perfect zing.