Are you in search of a hearty and flavorful meal that’s both simple to prepare and delicious to eat? Look no further than this Easy Mexican Casserole recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want a taste of Mexican cuisine without the hassle, this casserole is your go-to solution. With its combination of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a mix of Mexican-inspired ingredients, it promises to be a hit at any table. Let’s dive into how to make this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
1 cup mild, chunky salsa
¼ cup sliced black olives
3 ½ cups cooked egg noodles
1 (15.25 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup taco sauce
1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix
½ cup tomato sauce
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) to get things started. This optimal temperature ensures that your casserole cooks evenly, merging all the flavors beautifully.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s evenly browned. This is the base of your casserole, providing rich flavor and protein. Once browned, be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your dish on the lighter side.
- Combine your ingredients: Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and mix in the browned beef, drained sweet corn, chunky salsa, sliced black olives, cooked egg noodles, drained and rinsed kidney beans, taco sauce, taco seasoning mix, and tomato sauce. This blend of ingredients brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the sweetness of the corn to the tanginess of the salsa and the richness of the beans.
- Bake to perfection: Place your prepared casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. This time allows all the ingredients to cook together, absorbing the spices and sauces, resulting in a dish that’s thoroughly cooked and bursting with flavor.
This Easy Mexican Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a flavorful journey through Mexican cuisine, easily enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Its simplicity doesn’t take away from its taste, making it a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
Serving and Storage Tips for Mexican Casserole
This Mexican Casserole is a fantastic dish that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in. Here are some serving and storage tips to help you get the most out of your casserole, ensuring it remains delicious from the first bite to the last.
Serving Tips:
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Before serving, consider adding fresh garnishes to enhance the flavor and presentation of your casserole. Chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add an extra layer of taste and texture.
- Pair with Sides: To make a complete meal, serve your casserole with a side of Spanish rice, a simple green salad, or tortilla chips. These sides complement the flavors of the casserole and can make the meal more filling.
- Serve Warm: Mexican Casserole is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. If it has cooled down, a quick reheat in the oven or microwave will bring back its delightful warmth and enhance its flavors.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation inside the container, which could make the casserole soggy.
- Refrigerate Properly: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent the casserole from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
- Freezing for Later: If you’ve made too much or want to save some for a later date, this casserole freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Label them with the date, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and reheat at 350 degrees F until thoroughly warmed through. In the microwave, cover the dish and heat on high, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Mexican Casserole at its best, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or as a delicious leftover meal. This dish’s versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to option for anyone looking to enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, this casserole is ideal for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence.
- Flavorful: Every bite of this casserole is packed with the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on the go, or just someone who loves the taste of Mexican food without the lengthy preparation time, this Easy Mexican Casserole recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
FAQs
1. Can I make this Mexican Casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Instead of ground beef, use a plant-based meat substitute or increase the amount of beans and vegetables. Consider adding black beans or lentils for extra protein. Ensure that the taco seasoning and other sauces are vegetarian-friendly.
2. How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat to your Mexican Casserole, you have several options. Increase the amount of taco seasoning, add chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers to the mix, or use a spicier salsa. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving for an extra kick.
3. Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This Mexican Casserole freezes exceptionally well. Make sure to cool it completely before dividing it into portions or freezing it as a whole. Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or wrap the casserole tightly in freezer wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
4. Can I use different types of noodles or pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of noodles or pasta in this recipe. While egg noodles are suggested, feel free to experiment with penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked before adding it to the casserole, as it will not cook through in the oven. Adjustments in baking time may be necessary depending on the type of pasta used, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become too dry.
📖 Recipe
Print
THROW TOGETHER MEXICAN CASSEROLE
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of this Easy Mexican Casserole, a perfect blend of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and a variety of Mexican-inspired ingredients. Ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with deliciousness.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
1 cup mild, chunky salsa
¼ cup sliced black olives
3 ½ cups cooked egg noodles
1 (15.25 oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup taco sauce
1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix
½ cup tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until evenly browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the browned beef, corn, salsa, olives, noodles, beans, taco sauce, seasoning mix, and tomato sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly cooked.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional beans.
Adjust the spiciness by adding more taco seasoning or hot peppers according to taste.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Easy Mexican Casserole, Mexican Casserole Recipe, Ground Beef Casserole, Weeknight Dinner, Mexican Cuisine, Comfort Food, Family Dinner Ideas, Casserole Recipes
