Easy Mexicali Dinner
A hearty, cheesy Mexican-inspired casserole combining ground beef, noodles, tomatoes, and olives, baked to perfection—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven; add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Stir in cooked and drained noodles, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, half of the shredded cheese, sliced olives, salt, basil, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mix before baking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to spice things up, add diced jalapeños or use spicy olives. This dish can also be customized with other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Mexicali Dinner pairs beautifully with a side salad or some warm cornbread to complement the flavors. You can also serve it with guacamole and salsa for dipping. For an extra touch, top with fresh cilantro or avocado slices before serving. Browse more Mexican recipes for additional inspiration to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, place individual servings in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Mexicali Dinner contains roughly 898 calories, with 16g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1426mg per serving (62% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're 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 serve with this dish?
This Mexicali Dinner goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a complete meal. Tortilla chips with salsa or a refreshing fruit salad would also make great accompaniments.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! To freeze leftovers, cool the dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).