If you love enchiladas and a hearty pasta bake, this Spicy Beef Enchilada Noodle Casserole combines the best of both worlds! With tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and a hint of heat, this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is flavorful, filling, and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
🌶️ Big, Bold Flavors
This casserole is layered with savory beef, rich tomato, and a zesty kick from green chilies and taco seasoning. Every bite is packed with flavor!
🍝 Cozy and Satisfying
Egg noodles add a comforting, chewy texture, and the melted cheese on top makes it irresistibly gooey and satisfying.
🥘 Easy, One-Pan Meal
It’s a perfect one-dish dinner that’s simple to assemble, easy to bake, and even easier to serve!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 packet taco seasoning 🌮
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce 🌶️
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies 🌶️
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles 🍝
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 1/2 cup sour cream 🍦
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 🧀
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat) 🔥
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish) 🌿
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Noodles: Substitute with pasta like rotini, penne, or even rice for a fun twist.
- Cheese: Use pepper jack for extra heat, or add a sprinkle of queso fresco before serving for a Mexican-inspired touch.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
How to Make Spicy Beef Enchilada Noodle Casserole
1. Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. 🍝 This will be the base that holds all the delicious flavors together.
2. Prepare the Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. 🌟
3. Season the Beef
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. 🌶️
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, and sour cream. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy. 🧀
5. Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top for that irresistible cheesy layer. 🌟
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. 🧀🔥
7. Garnish & Serve
Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. 🌿
Serving Suggestions
- With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the casserole with some crunchy tortilla chips for a fun, nacho-inspired twist.
- Fresh Side Salad: Balance the richness of the casserole with a crisp green salad, drizzled with lime vinaigrette.
- Avocado Slices: Add a few slices of creamy avocado on top for extra flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Enchilada Noodle Casserole
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since the casserole bakes in the oven, cook the noodles just until al dente to keep them from getting too soft.
- Add Fresh Cilantro at the End: Adding cilantro at the end preserves its bright flavor, so save it as a final garnish.
Storage Instructions
This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. It’s also freezer-friendly! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with black beans or a meat alternative, and follow the recipe as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, any medium pasta shape like rotini, penne, or rigatoni will work well in this recipe.
Wrapping Up
This Spicy Beef Enchilada Noodle Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings the rich flavors of enchiladas into a cozy pasta bake. With its cheesy topping, hearty beef filling, and a touch of spice, it’s comfort food with a kick that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or any occasion that calls for a warming meal.
More Cozy Casserole Recipes to Try
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- One-Pot Taco Pasta Bake
Did you make this casserole? Share your thoughts and photos on social media – we’d love to see how it turned out! 🍲🔥
