Taco Noodle Casserole

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Taco Noodle Casserole… an easy comfort meal with flavors the whole family will enjoy! Even your pickiest eaters will love this casserole! 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Light ‘n Fluffy® Noodles. All comments and opinions are my own.

There are always times when we just need an easy dinner option. I know I’m not alone in this. Even though I really love to cook, there are days when I just don’t have the energy after a long day at work. Other times, I’m just not in the mood. 

When that happens, I draw upon my “fast and easy” recipes. It doesn’t get much easier than casseroles… and Light ‘n Fluffy® Noodles make casseroles even easier! My family loves Mexican flavors, and this casserole was a hit! 

Another great thing about this recipe is that you can easily double it and make enough for a crowd. It’s great for a potluck because it’s easy, and it’s probably a sure bet to be the only one of its kind. 

I also love how versatile the Light ‘n Fluffy Noodles are. They have several different types of noodles so you can always find the perfect noodle for your dish. Try using them in your pasta recipes and soups for delicious homemade flavor and light texture. The Homestyle Noodles are great in chicken soups, and their Wide Egg Noodles would be wonderful with a beef stroganoff. 

For this recipe, I picked up my Light ‘n Fluffy Noodles at my local ShopRite. You can find them right in the pasta aisle. ShopRite is one of my favorite grocery stores because of their selection and prices! If you want to try this recipe too, click HERE to shop for Light ‘n Fluffy Noodles at ShopRite. 

HOW TO MAKE TACO NOODLE CASSEROLE

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Make your homemade taco seasoning. Making your own taco spice mix is healthier than using the store-bought packets and you probably have everything you need in your spice cabinet. I always make my own. 

In a large skillet, brown your ground beef. Drain any excess fat. Add your taco seasoning and water to the meat; cook until water has evaporated. Remove the meat from your skillet and set aside. 

In same skillet, add a little olive or avocado oil and heat on medium heat. Add your chopped onion, red pepper and jalapeño. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent.

While ground beef and vegetable mixture is cooking, heat water to boiling to cook your Light ‘n Fluffy Noodles. Cook to al dente according to package directions, drain, and set aside. 

In a large bowl, combine the taco seasoned ground beef, cooked vegetable mixture, cooked Light ‘n Fluffy Noodles, corn, fire roasted tomatoes, canned chiles, tomato paste, sour cream, and 2 cups of the cheese. 

Mix until well combined.

Spoon mixture into a greased 13” x 9” casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. 

Cover tightly with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes covered. Remove the foil and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted. 

Top with chopped olives, green onions and cilantro, or other toppings of your choice. 

LOOKING TO CHANGE IT UP? THIS CASSEROLE IS VERSATILE!

You could easily make this Taco Noodle Casserole with leftover or rotisserie chicken instead. Consider adding a can of black or red kidney beans. You can use green or yellow bell peppers, or even a mixture of red, green and yellow peppers.

Want to make it spicier? Add another jalapeño, or even a couple Poblano peppers. 

Want to tone the spice down? Skip the jalapeño or the fire roasted tomatoes. You can substitute canned tomatoes with green chiles in place of the fire roasted tomatoes. You could also modify the homemade taco seasoning and use less red pepper flakes.

YOUR TACO NOODLE CASSEROLE ISN’T COMPLETE WITHOUT TOPPINGS

For me, this casserole isn’t complete without toppings! Consider trying a few of these or load it up with as many as possible!

• Black olives
• Green onions
• Sliced cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
• Avocado
• Jalapeño slices (pickled jalapeños are great too!)
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Extra sour cream

Dinner is served!