Oodles Fiesta Casserole
A flavorful casserole combining cheesy, spicy, and savory elements with noodles and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare 1 cup of cubed Jack cheese, 1/2 cup of diced canned green chillies, 1/4 cup of sliced black olives, and 2 tablespoons of chopped pimiento.
- Break up the noodles and cook in 3 cups boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Rinse the noodles with cold water and drain well.
- Combine the seasoning from one flavor packet, the Jack cheese, chillies, olives, pimiento, and 1 cup sour cream.
- Spoon the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until the casserole is browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or swapping out the regular green chillies for hotter varieties. If you don't have Jack cheese, mozzarella or even a mild cheddar work well as substitutes. Ensure the noodles are thoroughly drained to prevent a watery casserole. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider adding a dollop of salsa or guacamole on top when serving for an extra flavor boost. For a hearty family dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a classic side like Crunchy Baked Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Oodles Fiesta Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oodles Fiesta Casserole contains roughly 393 calories, with 25g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (52% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 906mg per serving (39% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Certainly! While this recipe uses Oodles of Noodles, you can substitute with any other quick-cooking noodles like egg noodles or even gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for best results.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the Oodles Fiesta Casserole vegetarian, simply omit any meat-based flavor packets and use vegetable broth or water for cooking the noodles. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.
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).