This casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, sweet corn, beans, salsa, and a zesty tomato-taco sauce blend. Everything is tossed together and baked until bubbling hot and optionally topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder that captures all the bold flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes—without the fuss of layering or rolling. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 3½ cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup taco sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Green onions or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. Combine the Sauce Mixture
- To the skillet with the beef, add the taco seasoning, taco sauce, salsa, olives, corn, kidney beans, and tomato sauce.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Mix with Noodles
- In a large bowl (or directly in the skillet if it’s big enough), combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef mixture.
- Toss until the noodles are evenly coated and everything is well mixed.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use hot salsa for extra heat.
- Add veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese lovers: Mix some cheese into the casserole before baking for extra gooeyness.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and cleanup.
- Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, customizable for spice lovers.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches a pound of meat into a full meal.
This Throw-Together Mexican Casserole is the kind of dish that makes dinner feel effortless but still exciting. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Want to take it up a notch? Serve it with tortilla chips and guacamole on the side for a full-on fiesta!