Mexican Ground Beef Noodle Casserole
A quick weeknight casserole combining seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, and south-of-the-border flavors. Salsa, kidney beans, corn, and black olives create a one-dish meal that's hearty and customizable. Taco seasoning ties everything together with familiar spice. Perfect for families seeking minimal prep time and maximum comfort on busy evenings. This version skips complex layering in favor of thorough mixing, so every bite tastes consistent.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 2
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess fat.
- 3
Add taco seasoning, taco sauce, salsa, black olives, corn, kidney beans, and tomato sauce to the beef and stir to combine.
- 4
Mix the meat mixture with cooked noodles until well combined.
- 5
Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish and top with cheese if desired.
- 6
Bake for 30 minutes and serve with green onion garnish.
Tips
Rinse and drain canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and prevent a mushy texture in the finished casserole.
Brown the beef fully before adding other ingredients to develop flavor and ensure proper seasoning distribution throughout.
Add cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking if preferred melted on top rather than mixed throughout.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325 degrees until warmed through.
Assemble completely before baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to bake time if starting cold.
Top with fresh green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or additional salsa. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the beans to avoid mushy, sodden casserole.
Don't omit the fat-draining step after browning beef to prevent a greasy final dish.
Don't undercook the noodles initially as they will continue to soften while baking.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
Yes, assemble without cheese, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Add cheese in the last 10 minutes.
What if I don't have taco seasoning?
Mix 2 tablespoons cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste as a substitute.
Can I add vegetables to bulk it up?
Absolutely. Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes along with the beans and corn before baking for added nutrition and flavor.