Natasha’s Mexican Casserole

Jun 04, 2023June 4, 20230 6
Natasha's mouthwatering Mexican Casserole recipe
in Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Moderate

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 box elbow macaroni
2 lbs lean ground beef
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 -2 medium onion , chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 packages taco seasoning mix ( low-salt if desired )
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
pepper or dill , as desired

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
10
Calories
548
Sugar
9g
Fat
36g
Natasha's Mexican Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and filling main dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. This casserole features tender elbow macaroni, lean ground beef, and zesty taco seasonings, all baked together under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It is a great meal for feeding a crowd, or for meal prep, as it can be easily reheated and enjoyed throughout the week. Plus, it can be customized to your taste preferences, with added vegetables, spices, or hot sauce.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3.In a large skillet, cook beef, garlic and onion in oil over medium heat until beef is browned.
4.Stir in stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning mix.
5.Add cooked beef mixture to the macaroni and stir to combine.
6.Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread half of the macaroni mixture evenly into the dish.
7.Sprinkle half of the cheese over the macaroni mixture, then repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese.
8.Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

PROS

This Mexican casserole is hearty and flavorful, with a perfect balance of tender macaroni, robust beef, and zesty taco seasonings.

It can also be customized to your taste preferences, using more or less cheese, spices, or vegetables.

CONS

This casserole is not the healthiest meal, as it contains lots of fat and calories from the ground beef and cheese.

It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this Mexican casserole may not be the most nutritious meal, it does contain some health benefits.
The tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to cancer prevention.
The beef is a great source of protein, iron, and other important nutrients, but be sure to choose lean cuts to minimize the fat content.

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