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–+ servings
Melany

Creamy Mexican Million Dollar Pasta: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, this Creamy Mexican Million Dollar Pasta is a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Layers of taco-seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender spaghetti come together in this ultimate comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 taco seasoning packet
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 onion small-diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 10 ounces enchilada sauce
For the Creamy Layer:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 16 ounces cooked spaghetti
For the Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce and enchilada sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
  1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey jack cheese. Add the salt and pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating it evenly.
Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  2. Layer the meat mixture evenly over the pasta.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses over the top.
  4. Bake the Pasta: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Cook the spaghetti al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • For added spice, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the meat mixture.

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