Noodles Mexicali
A hearty, cheesy noodle casserole with ground meat, vegetables, and rich tomato flavor, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) bag frozen whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 12 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cans condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles as directed, then drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown ground beef or turkey with chopped onion, chopped celery, and crushed garlic.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add frozen corn and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and heat for 5 minutes.
- Add condensed tomato soup, milk, salt, pepper, and chili powder to the skillet. Mix well.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and combine thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and cheese has melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef or turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary preferences. Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. Leftover Noodles Mexicali can also be transformed into a filling for burritos or served alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired sides like rice or beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot, ensuring the cheese stays melted and gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodles Mexicali contains roughly 786 calories, with 24g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (60% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% 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 cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella. Each will give a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your taste or what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to freeze Noodles Mexicali?
Yes, you can freeze this dish after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.
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).