Mexican Meal
A hearty Mexican-inspired dish combining seasoned ground beef with corn, tomato sauce, and spices, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal for the family or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Add the cooked macaroni, frozen corn, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, red hot sauce, and salt to the ground beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For additional flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the beef while browning. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, or use black beans instead of ground beef for a vegetarian twist. This dish is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, similar to El Dorado Surprise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican meal with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips or a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, use it as a Beef 'N Cheese Filling for Mexican Pizza or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Meal contains roughly 248 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2088mg per serving (91% 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or lentils. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more red hot sauce or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers while cooking. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mixture for an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
What can I serve with this Mexican meal?
This dish is versatile and can be served with various sides. Consider pairing it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad. For a hearty option, serve it alongside Taco Baked Potatoes, which complements the flavors beautifully.
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).