Spanish Noodle Casserole
A hearty Spanish-inspired noodle casserole with ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted Cheddar, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 15 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz can pimentos ⓘ
- 1 can creamed corn ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 (5 oz) packages flat noodles, cooked and drained
- small can ripe olives, chopped
- shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly brown ground chuck, bell pepper, and onion in cooking oil.
- Add tomato soup, tomato sauce, pimentos, chopped olives, and creamed corn to the meat mixture.
- Stir in dry mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a buttered 3-quart casserole dish, layer cooked noodles and sauce alternately.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground chuck. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition. If you prefer a bit of spice, try adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a mix of beans or lentils. This dish can also be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spanish Noodle Casserole with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Red Cabbage German Style for a delightful contrast. For a fun twist, serve with a side of Vegetable Garden Dip (Low-Fat) for dipping. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can easily feed a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Noodle Casserole contains roughly 502 calories, with 23g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2047mg per serving (89% 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 a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of flat noodles?
If you can't find flat noodles, you can substitute with egg noodles, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure to cook them according to package instructions before layering them in the casserole.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This casserole is versatile. You can incorporate spinach, carrots, or even corn for added flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers for the best results.
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).