Curiouser And Curiouser Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining spaghetti, chili, corn, and fresh herbs, perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Natural spaghetti sauce
- 2 (15 oz.) cans Natural vegetarian chili ⓘ
- 1 lb. cooked whole grain elbow or spiral noodles ⓘ
- 1 pkg. frozen corn kernels ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 to 3 scallions, chopped finely ⓘ
- 1 large bag Natural corn tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Place a wok over moderately high heat.
- Add pasta sauce and chili, stirring to combine.
- Add corn; mix well.
- Add onion, peppers, and parsley; stir.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Add cooked noodles; cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Remove from heat; sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
- Cover and let sit for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade spaghetti sauce or adding spices like cumin and paprika to the chili mixture. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version. If you can't find whole grain noodles, any pasta will work, though whole grain provides more fiber. To enhance textures, add black beans or bell peppers for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Mija'S Mama Chili or can be accompanied by a scoop of sour cream and salsa for added flavor. For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, consider serving it alongside Layered Bean Dip "Trader Joe'S".
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating, ensuring the cheese remains melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curiouser And Curiouser Casserole contains roughly 765 calories, with 22g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of vegetarian chili?
If you don't have vegetarian chili on hand, you can use a can of black beans or kidney beans mixed with diced tomatoes and some chili spices as a substitute. This will maintain the dish's flavor profile while still being hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes for an easy meal prep option!
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).