Natasha’s Mexican Casserole Recipe 🇲🇽🧀
Description: Dive into the rich flavors of Natasha’s Mexican Casserole, a delightful dish combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheddar cheese, all infused with the vibrant spices of Mexico. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) stewed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (or your favorite Mexican spices)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
- Dill (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté for about 10-15 minutes until softened and translucent. Remove from the pan and set aside. |
| 2 | Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef. Cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. |
| 3 | Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked onions and garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir in the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until heated through. |
| 4 | Prepare Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just slightly firm. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl, keeping it warm. |
| 5 | Assemble Casserole: Pour the ground beef mixture over the cooked pasta in the bowl. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients. |
| 6 | Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef and pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch glass baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. |
| 7 | Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges. |
| 8 | Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream on the side if you like. Enjoy with a crisp salad, ranch-flavored Doritos, and a refreshing glass of sangria for a complete meal experience! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 895.9
- Fat Content: 42.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 157.6mg
- Sodium Content: 927.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 71g
- Fiber Content: 4.5g
- Sugar Content: 8.2g
- Protein Content: 56.6g
Cook’s Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or corn.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with cooked black beans or tofu crumbles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Enjoy the comforting flavors and hearty goodness of Natasha’s Mexican Casserole, a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table! 🍽️✨
