Description
This Southwestern Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines elbow macaroni, ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and zesty seasonings, all topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and spicy jalapeños. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and even better when enjoyed as leftovers!
Ingredients
2 cups (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
1–1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, tomato paste, green chiles, salt, chili powder, cumin, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and stir it into the beef mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture into 2 greased 2-quart baking dishes.
- Top each casserole with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and sliced jalapeños.
- Cover the baking dishes with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover the dishes and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve one casserole and let the second cool before covering and freezing for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Add More Veggies: Add corn, bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Version: For a spicier casserole, add more jalapeños or toss in a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Use Ground Turkey: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version of this dish.
- Cheese Swap: Use other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a meatless version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
