Description
Tex-mex beef & noodle casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table with a zesty southwestern twist that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Creamy pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese combine into one hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 oz package of egg noodles
- 24 oz jar of Pace Picante Medium salsa
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 375°F, preparing a cozy environment for your casserole.
- Boil 12 oz egg noodles in a large pot for exactly 4-5 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.
- Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a saute pan over medium-low temperature. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
- Introduce 1 lb ground beef and 2-3 Tbsp taco seasoning to the pan. Crumble the meat while cooking until it’s almost completely browned.
- Whisk 24 oz Pace® Picante salsa with 8 oz room temperature cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Return to your large pot and mix noodles, seasoned beef, salsa-cream cheese sauce, and 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish, creating an even layer across the surface.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Slide the dish into the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a light golden brown.
Notes
- Double-check your taco seasoning to ensure it matches your preferred spice level, as some brands can be quite intense.
- Opt for full-fat cream cheese to create a richer, smoother sauce that coats the noodles more evenly.
- For a gluten-free version, swap egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg