Mexican Luncheon Casserole
Hearty casserole bursting with smoky sausage, sweet tomatoes, and creamy buttermilk, perfect for a family dinner or potluck crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown pork sausage, diced onion, and diced green pepper in a large skillet.
- Add canned tomatoes, uncooked macaroni, buttermilk or sour cream, sugar, chili powder, and salt; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook 10 minutes on high heat, then reduce to simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage. You can also add black beans or corn for added texture and flavor. If you prefer a creamier casserole, use sour cream instead of buttermilk. Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking. This dish is versatile, so feel free to incorporate other veggies like zucchini or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of Frijoles Mexicanos for a complete meal. It pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables. For a festive touch, top with avocado slices or fresh cilantro before serving. This dish makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner and is great for meal prep or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Cool the casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Luncheon Casserole contains roughly 258 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1513mg 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 use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta types may require varying cooking durations.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or using spicy sausage instead of regular pork sausage. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a splash of hot sauce to the mixture before cooking.
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).