Jim'S Mexican Casserole
A hearty Mexican casserole combining seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for a flavorful family dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. hamburger meat ⓘ
- 2 cans chili beans ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes and chilies (Ro-Tel) ⓘ
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 medium bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 pkg. taco mix ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. Mexican cheese ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. flat egg noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic pepper ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add 3/4 cup water, taco mix, diced onion, diced bell pepper, Ro-Tel, and chili beans to the meat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil the egg noodles until tender and drain.
- Combine the cooked meat mixture and noodles in a casserole dish.
- Mix in 3/4 of the shredded Mexican cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or cayenne pepper to taste. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of beans instead of hamburger meat. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for added flavor. Serve with a side of Garden Spanish Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jim's Mexican Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for added creaminess. It pairs well with a crisp side salad or tortilla chips for crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Mom'S Spanish Rice or alongside your favorite Mexican recipes for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave until heated through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. This casserole also freezes well; just ensure it’s tightly sealed before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jim'S Mexican Casserole contains roughly 1440 calories, with 70g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (331% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (307% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2027mg per serving (88% 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
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more jalapeno peppers, increase the cayenne pepper, or use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and chilies. Additionally, incorporating spicy cheese or adding a splash of hot sauce to the mix can elevate the heat level to your liking.
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).