Mexican Lunch
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired pasta bake with sausage, vegetables, and creamy tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sausage until almost done.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper.
- Cook until tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, milk, and cooked macaroni.
- Mix these ingredients, then add sour cream along with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F until it bubbles well.
- Top with grated cheese and buttered bread crumbs.
- Melt the cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier dish, consider using chorizo instead of hot sausage, or add diced jalapeños. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can be used. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Be sure to taste and adjust the chili powder and salt to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of fresh guacamole and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. A simple green salad can also complement the richness of the casserole. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Baked Turkey Chile Rellenos for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until warm. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Lunch contains roughly 649 calories, with 30g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (136% of the Daily Value), and protein (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% 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 casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to serve, bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of hot sausage?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute hot sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian option, try using a plant-based sausage or omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables.
Can I freeze the Mexican Lunch casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked casserole. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. It’s a great make-ahead dish!
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).