Looking for an easy, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love? This Throw Together Mexican Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, kidney beans, and salsa, this dish brings bold flavors without the hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple yet satisfying casserole requires minimal prep and bakes to perfection in just 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
- One-Dish Meal: Simple to prepare and even easier to clean up.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers for a convenient meal later.
Ingredients Breakdown
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Ground beef – Provides a hearty, protein-packed base.
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Sweet corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
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Mild chunky salsa – Enhances the dish with a fresh, zesty kick.
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Black olives – Brings a savory, briny flavor.
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Egg noodles – Makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
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Kidney beans – Adds protein and a creamy texture.
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Taco sauce & taco seasoning – Infuses classic Mexican flavors.
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Tomato sauce – Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a Spicier Kick: Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top before baking.
- Make it Healthier: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils.
- Taco-Style: Serve the mixture in taco shells for a twist.
- Low-Carb: Skip the noodles and use cauliflower rice instead.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple green salad.
- Drinks: Pair with a refreshing glass of agua fresca or a margarita.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Popular Questions:
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
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What Can I Use Instead of Egg Noodles?
Try rotini, penne, or even rice for a different texture.
Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! The mild flavors make it perfect for all ages.
Print
Throw Together Mexican Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Need a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly meal? This Throw Together Mexican Casserole is the answer! With ground beef, kidney beans, and salsa, it’s full of bold flavors and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 cup mild chunky salsa
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 3 1/2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 (15.25 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup taco sauce
- 1 (1.25 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain excess grease and set aside.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- In the baking dish, add the cooked beef, corn, salsa, olives, noodles, kidney beans, taco sauce, taco seasoning, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Bake to Perfection:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste preference.
- Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresh flavor boost.
- Double the recipe for a larger crowd or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
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