Mexican Beefy Noodles
A flavorful Mexican-inspired beef and noodle casserole with cheesy, savory goodness, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in margarine in a skillet.
- Add chopped green pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato soup, milk, cooked noodles, corn, olives, and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding some spices like cumin or chili powder to the ground beef while browning it. If you're out of margarine, butter works just as well. You can substitute the corn with black beans or even some diced tomatoes for a different texture. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of hamburger.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete Mexican meal, consider offering sides like Mexican Style Black-Eyed Peas or a refreshing salsa. Don't forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
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 in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly, ensuring the cheese melts nicely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Beefy Noodles contains roughly 1713 calories, with 24g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (331% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1526mg per serving (66% 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 entire dish and assemble it in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready, just remove the cover and bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's chilled from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses. Each type will add a different flavor profile while still complementing the other ingredients in this hearty dish.
Can I freeze Mexican Beefy Noodles?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed. If baked, leftovers can be frozen, but be aware the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
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).