Spanish Beef Noodle Casserole
This hearty Spanish Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting one-pot meal that brings the flavors of Spain right to your dinner table. Combining savory ground beef, colorful green peppers, and tender egg noodles, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles and cheeses to cater to your family's taste preferences. It's quick to prepare and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Serve it up piping hot, and watch your family dig in with delight!
6
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (not prepared)
green pepper
1 small (chopped)
onion
1/3 cup (chopped)
medium egg noodles
3 cups (uncooked)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
water
1 cup (not prepared)
chili sauce
1/4 cup (not prepared)
salt
1 teaspoon (not prepared)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (not prepared)
bacon
4 slices (cooked and crumbled)
shredded cheese
1-2 cups (not prepared)
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped green pepper and onion until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
2
Stir in the uncooked medium egg noodles, undrained diced tomatoes, water, chili sauce, salt, and pepper.
3
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4
Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. Cover the pot again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
5
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Spanish Beef Noodle Casserole!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
27g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish Beef Noodle Casserole?
It is a hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, green peppers, onion, and egg noodles simmered in a savory tomato and chili sauce base.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include ground beef, medium egg noodles, diced tomatoes, green pepper, onion, and chili sauce.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative if preferred.
How long does it take to simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large pot, making cleanup very easy.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them?
No, the egg noodles are added uncooked and will cook in the liquid within the pot.
What kind of noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked medium egg noodles.
What can I use if I do not have chili sauce?
You can substitute chili sauce with a mixture of tomato sauce, a pinch of chili powder, and a small amount of sugar.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild flavor from the chili sauce and pepper, but it is generally considered family-friendly rather than spicy.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20g of protein in each serving of this casserole.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains 23g of fat.
What type of cheese works best for the topping?
You can use any shredded cheese you like; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work particularly well.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use the tomatoes undrained as the liquid is necessary to cook the noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Spanish Beef Noodle Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the noodles have absorbed all the moisture.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding corn, black beans, or extra bell peppers would enhance the dish.
What side dishes go well with this?
A simple side salad or garlic bread complements the flavors of this casserole well.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, egg noodles contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free noodle alternative.
Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, the bacon is an optional topping for flavor and can be omitted if desired.
What size green pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using one small green pepper, finely chopped.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure you add extra liquid (like tomato juice or more water) to replace the canning liquid.
Why do I need to stir the mixture occasionally?
Stirring helps prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot while they simmer.
What type of onion is best?
Yellow or white onions work best for their savory flavor, but red onion can also be used.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, though you should brown the meat first and add the noodles during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and the flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
What should I do if the liquid is absorbed but the noodles are still hard?
Add a small amount of extra water, cover the pot, and continue simmering for a few more minutes until the noodles are tender.