Mexican Beef Casserole
A hearty Mexican beef casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tomato sauce, olives, and mushrooms, layered with cooked noodles and topped with grated cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish offers rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings craving bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1 can creamed corn ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/4 oz.) can chopped olives ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can mushrooms
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. cumin powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 pkg. egg noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. Longhorn cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, green onion, and garlic together and drain.
- Add creamed corn, tomato sauce, chopped olives, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Simmer until slightly cooked.
- Mix the meat mixture with cooked noodles and add grated cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cover with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cheese. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. If you're short on time, consider using pre-cooked noodles or frozen mixed vegetables. This dish is versatile, so feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving can elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Beef Casserole with a side of fresh salad or guacamole for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Spanish Rice for those looking to enhance the flavors. You can also top individual servings with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or fresh avocado for added creaminess. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
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 heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Beef Casserole contains roughly 480 calories, with 20g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (499% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (112% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1241mg per serving (54% 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. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for Longhorn cheese?
If you can't find Longhorn cheese, you can use Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese as a substitute. Both will melt nicely and complement the flavors of the casserole. Feel free to mix cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the ground beef for a delicious variation.
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).