What do you do at the end of the week when the fridge is full of random ingredients and you haven’t gone to the grocery store? You make a Throw Together Mexican Casserole! With simple ingredients you can find easily in your pantry or fridge, you don’t have to waste food anymore. Just mix, bake, and serve!
This is a family favorite and a great appetizer for parties. Grab some of your favorite chips or bread and dip away! Your family will love the flavors, and you’ll love that no food is going to waste.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Casserole Recipe
- Convenient: Uses pantry staples for an easy throw-together meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Feeds a family or crowd without breaking the bank.
- Versatile: Perfect for both family dinners and party appetizers.
- Tasty & Satisfying: Creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- 3 ½ C. Cooked egg noodles
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- 15 oz. Corn (drained)
- 1 C. Salsa
- ¼ C. Sliced black olives
- ¼ C. Taco sauce
- 15 oz. Kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 Pack of taco seasoning
- ½ C. Tomato sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How to Make Throw Together Mexican Casserole
Step 1: Cooking the Ground Beef
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Mixing Ingredients
Combine taco seasoning, taco sauce, salsa, olives, corn, beans, and tomato sauce with the cooked ground beef in the skillet.
Step 3: Assembling the Casserole
Add the meat mixture to the cooked noodles and toss to combine well.
Layer the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with shredded cheese if desired.
Step 4: Baking
Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Storage Options
For leftovers, store the Mexican casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapenos or hot sauce for additional heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with black beans and additional veggies.
- Cheese Lovers: Double the amount of shredded cheese for an extra cheesy casserole.
- Tex-Mex Flavors: Use a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different taste.
What to Serve With Mexican Casserole
- Guacamole and Chips: Fresh and creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the cheesy casserole.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn with cheese, spices, and lime is a great side dish.
- Rice and Beans: Serve the casserole over a bed of rice or with seasoned black beans for a complete meal.
- Margarita: A classic lime margarita is a refreshing drink to accompany the spicy flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a specific cheese that works best?
A: Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, melts perfectly and evenly. Nacho cheese or Velveeta can also be used for extra creaminess.
Q: What type of taco seasoning do you recommend?
A: Old El Paso, Taco Bell, or Ortega seasoning are popular choices. You can even make your own if you prefer a homemade blend.
After making this cheesy and spicy Mexican casserole, you can expect a creamy, flavorful dish that is loved by both the family and guests. The combination of tender noodles, seasoned beef, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal with a touch of spice. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Cheesy & Spicy Throw Together Mexican Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 ½ C Cooked egg noodles
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 15 oz Corn (drained)
- 1 C Salsa
- ¼ C Sliced black olives
- ¼ C Taco sauce
- 15 oz Kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 Pack Taco seasoning
- ½ C Tomato sauce
- Shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.
- Combine taco seasoning, taco sauce, salsa, olives, corn, beans, and tomato sauce with the cooked ground beef.
- Add the meat mixture to the cooked noodles, toss to combine well, and layer in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheese if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.