Festive Mexican Noodle Casserole
This Festive Mexican Noodle Casserole brings the lively flavors of Mexico into a hearty one-dish meal that's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Packed with lean ground beef, tantalizing spices, creamy cheeses, and zesty Ro-Tel tomatoes, this layered casserole is elevated with a medley of colorful vegetables and topped with melting Mexican blend cheese. Simply combine, layer, and bake for a delicious dish everyone will rave about. Serve it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh chives or green onions, for an added burst of flavor. You won't be able to resist shouting 'OLE!' with each tasty bite!
N/A
Servings
352
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (or my Taco Bell Taco Seasoning Mix (Copycat))
diced tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-Tel)
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
sliced black olives
1 (6 ounce) can (reserve 12 slices for garnish)
extra-wide egg noodles
1 (12 ounce) package (cooked al dente)
sour cream
1 (16 ounce) container (none)
small curd cottage cheese
1 (16 ounce) container (none)
diced green chilies
1 (7 ounce) can (none)
chives or snipped green onion tops
1 tablespoon (chopped)
shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the center. Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, ensuring to break it apart with a spatula. Drain and set aside.
3
While the beef is cooking, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rapid boil. Cook the extra-wide egg noodles until just slightly al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well, but do not rinse. Return the drained noodles back into the pot and turn off the heat.
4
In the pot with the noodles, gently stir in the sour cream, cottage cheese, diced green chilies, and chives or green onion tops until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5
In the skillet with the cooked beef, add the drained Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, sliced olives (reserving 12 slices for garnishing), and taco seasoning mix. Simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6
In the prepared baking dish, spread 1/3 of the creamy noodle mixture evenly over the bottom. Layer 1/3 of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the shredded Mexican blend cheese.
7
Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining Mexican blend cheese on top.
8
Garnish the casserole with reserved olive slices and additional chives or green onion tops.
9
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbling and golden. Allow to cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
10
Enjoy your meal with friends and family and remember to shout 'OLE!' after each delightful bite!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
23g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Mexican Noodle Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal featuring lean ground beef, Mexican spices, creamy cheeses, and Ro-Tel tomatoes layered with egg noodles.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
There are 352 calories per serving.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 13x9 inch baking dish is recommended.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
What type of noodles are used in the Festive Mexican Noodle Casserole?
One 12-ounce package of extra-wide egg noodles is used.
How should the egg noodles be cooked?
Cook them in 3 quarts of salted water until just slightly al dente, then drain without rinsing.
What makes the noodle mixture creamy?
The noodles are combined with sour cream and cottage cheese.
What type of cottage cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies one 16-ounce container of small curd cottage cheese.
What is included in the seasoned beef mixture?
The mixture includes cooked ground beef, drained Ro-Tel tomatoes, sliced olives, and taco seasoning.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
Simmer the beef mixture for about 10 minutes until it thickens and most liquid is absorbed.
How many layers does this casserole have?
The casserole is built by repeating the layering process of noodles, beef, and cheese three times.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
A shredded Mexican blend cheese is used.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake it uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Are there any specific garnishes recommended?
Garnish with reserved olive slices and additional chives or green onion tops.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-7 minutes before slicing.
Can I use green onions instead of chives?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either chives or snipped green onion tops.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There is 17g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 10.
What type of tomatoes are used?
One 10-ounce can of drained Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies is used.
How many ounces of black olives are needed?
A 6-ounce can of sliced black olives is required.
What is the amount of taco seasoning required?
Use one 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix.
Does the recipe include green chilies besides those in the Ro-Tel?
Yes, it also calls for an additional 7-ounce can of diced green chilies.
What rack position should I use in the oven?
Position the oven rack in the center.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, it should be baked uncovered.
What size sour cream container is needed?
A 16-ounce container of sour cream is required.
Is the Mexican blend cheese divided?
Yes, the 8-ounce package of cheese is divided among the layers.
How much water is needed to boil the noodles?
Bring 3 quarts of salted water to a rapid boil for the noodles.