Cazuela Sabrosa
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining tender beef, macaroni, corn, and tomatoes with flavorful seasonings, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green or sweet red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup bow-shaped macaroni, uncooked ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder (optional) ⓘ
- 1 pound roast or stew beef, chicken, turkey or pork, in chunks or shreds or 1 pound ground beef or pork ⓘ
- 2 cups frozen or 16 oz can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 3 fresh tomatoes, chopped or 16 oz can, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 4 oz Neufchatel cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack or mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, pepper, and garlic in a little oil over low heat, stirring often, until limp.
- Oil a shallow 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Mix the cooked or ground beef, macaroni, corn, tomatoes, buttermilk, chili powder (if using), and chopped ingredients together.
- Dot with Neufchatel cheese, sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover and refrigerate until needed.
- When ready to bake, set in a preheated 425°F oven for 10 minutes; then reduce heat to 375°F and bake for 55 minutes or until macaroni tests tender with a fork.
- If baking immediately, bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin along with the chili powder. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cheese. You can also add black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber, making this a filling option. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with extra vegetables and beans.
Serving Suggestions
This Cazuela Sabrosa is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can enhance it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread on the side. For a complete experience, consider serving it with guacamole or salsa. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes that include rice or beans, providing a well-rounded meal for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in individual portions, stirring occasionally until warm. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cazuela Sabrosa contains roughly 752 calories, with 19g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 849mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any short pasta shape, such as penne or shells. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted accordingly, as different pasta varieties may require different cooking durations. Opt for whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking when you bake it.
What can I serve with Cazuela Sabrosa?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or sides like Mexican rice or refried beans. For a fun twist, serve it alongside tortilla chips and your favorite salsa or guacamole for a complete meal experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).