Chile Noodles
A hearty, cheesy chili noodle casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, green chilies, and tender noodles topped with melted cheese—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in a skillet until cooked through, then add chopped onion, tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, and chopped green chilies.
- In a separate pan, cook the noodles until tender.
- Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the chili mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with grated cheese, and bake in a hot oven until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. If you want more spice, include additional chopped green chilies or even jalapeños. You can substitute the noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. If you like a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer a little longer before combining with the noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chile Noodles alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Potato Soup Deluxe, making it a great option for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Noodles contains roughly 601 calories, with 15g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1298mg per serving (56% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Chile Noodles vegetarian by substituting the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based for a flavorful sauce. This will still provide a hearty meal without compromising on taste.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for topping Chile Noodles, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you like it spicy. A blend of cheeses can also add depth to the dish. Just ensure it's shredded for even melting.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Chile Noodles up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a day. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge, top with cheese, and bake until heated through. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights.
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).