Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired sensation? This Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines the bold, zesty flavors of Mexico with the irresistible cheesy goodness of a classic casserole. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the drained and rinsed 15 oz can of black beans, the 10 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 tsp of taco seasoning. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef and bean mixture. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined.
- Transfer the noodle and beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.
- Serve the Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef with some diced onions before adding the beans and tomatoes.
- If you want to add more heat, use a spicy taco seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavor profiles.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
