Spicy Tex-Mex Penne Casserole
This Tex-Mex inspired casserole combines hearty penne pasta with spicy ground beef and a medley of vibrant flavors. It’s topped with melted cheddar cheese, offering a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is customizable — you can control the spice level using your preferred amount of salsa and Tabasco sauce. Whether spicy or mild, it’s sure to become a go-to family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne
10 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
ground beef
1 pound (cooked and drained)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces can (undrained)
tomato sauce
8 ounces can (none)
salsa
1 cup (heat level of choice)
diced green chilies
7 ounces can (drained)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (optional, adjust to personal preference)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
4
Stir in the chili powder, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa, and drained green chilies. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5
Combine the cooked penne and beef mixture, ensuring everything is well mixed.
6
Transfer the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Add Tabasco sauce to taste either during cooking or as a finishing touch when serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Tex-Mex Penne Casserole?
It is a hearty casserole combining penne pasta, spicy ground beef, and Tex-Mex flavors topped with melted cheddar cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of penne pasta cooked until al dente.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, while the recipe uses one pound of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or a meat alternative.
How do I prepare the onion?
You should chop one cup of onion and cook it with the beef until the onion is translucent.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after browning the ground beef and onion.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes should be used undrained.
Should the green chilies be drained?
Yes, the 7 ounce can of diced green chilies should be drained before adding them to the mixture.
What spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with two tablespoons of chili powder and Tabasco sauce to taste.
How long should the beef and sauce mixture simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 13x9-inch baking dish for this casserole.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe recommends using two cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can I control the spice level of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by choosing your preferred heat level of salsa and the amount of Tabasco sauce added.
When should I add the Tabasco sauce?
You can add it during the cooking process or as a finishing touch when serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect dish for busy weeknights.
How much salsa is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of salsa.
What is the role of the tomato sauce?
An 8 ounce can of tomato sauce is added to the beef mixture to create the base for the casserole.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
What if I don't have penne pasta?
While penne is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute it with another short pasta shape like rotini.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comforting and satisfying family favorite.
Does the recipe include fiber or calorie counts?
The provided nutritional information currently lists those values as null.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is the salsa cooked or added fresh?
The salsa is stirred into the beef mixture and simmered for 5 minutes before baking.
What preparation is needed for the cheddar cheese?
The cheddar cheese should be shredded before being distributed over the top.
What is the total preparation time for the beef mixture?
Browning the beef and onion followed by a 5-minute simmer takes approximately 15 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While not explicitly stated, casseroles like this are generally easy to assemble ahead of time and bake later.
Is the chili powder used for heat or flavor?
It provides both the characteristic Tex-Mex flavor profile and a base level of spice.
What makes this a 'Tex-Mex' dish?
The combination of chili powder, salsa, green chilies, and cheddar cheese gives it its Tex-Mex flair.