Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender noodles with seasoned ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal or when you want something hearty with a Mexican twist.

A white bowl filled with a colorful pasta salad featuring three main layers: the bottom layer consists of light beige wide egg noodles, the middle layer is scattered with chunky green herbs, diced red onions, small pieces of ground meat, and yellow corn kernels, while the top layer is topped with two bright red halved cherry tomatoes and more green herbs, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface with a white and blue striped cloth nearby; in the background, there is a white bowl filled with more of the same pasta salad, slightly blurred, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 oz. No Yolks Noodles (cooked according to package)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 sweet onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 jalapeño (seeds removed, chopped, optional)
  • 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup canned sweet corn (or fresh/frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 cup salsa (medium red salsa recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (divided, or cheese of your choice)
  • 2 Tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
  • Red onion (to garnish)
  • Cherry tomatoes (to garnish)
  • Cilantro (chopped, to garnish)
  • Green onion (chopped, to garnish)
  • Cheese (to garnish)
  • Avocado (to garnish)
  • Salsa (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Step 2: Cook the No Yolks Noodles according to the package instructions. While the noodles cook, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the ground turkey and chopped jalapeño to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is fully cooked and browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, taco seasoning, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  6. Step 6: Spray a large oven-safe casserole dish with non-stick spray. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese and the chopped cilantro over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, green onion, additional cheese, avocado slices, and extra salsa as desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a spicier casserole, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
  • Substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken for different flavors.
  • Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture and a little extra kick.
  • Fresh corn works great when in season and adds a slightly sweeter crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the casserole covered with foil at 350 degrees F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A white scalloped ceramic dish filled with three layers of cooked egg noodles mixed with melted cheddar cheese creating a soft, gooey orange-yellow base; chunks of cooked ground meat are mixed within the noodles. On top, a colorful layer of chopped fresh green onions, red onion pieces, diced red tomatoes, and scattered fresh green cilantro leaves adds a vibrant, fresh contrast. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and a silver spoon is partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Print

Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Easy Mexican Noodle Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender noodles, savory ground turkey, and a blend of Mexican-inspired ingredients. Baked with sharp cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh veggies and avocado, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and full of vibrant flavors.

  • Author: Windy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 6 oz. No Yolks Noodles (cooked according to package)

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 sweet onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 jalapeño (seeds removed, chopped; optional)
  • 1 cup canned sweet corn (or fresh/frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 cup salsa (medium red or preferred)

Cheese & Herbs

  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided (or cheese of your choice)
  • 2 Tablespoons cilantro (chopped)

Garnishes

  • Red onion (to garnish)
  • Cherry tomatoes (to garnish)
  • Cilantro (chopped, to garnish)
  • Green onion (chopped, to garnish)
  • Cheese (to garnish)
  • Avocado (to garnish)
  • Salsa (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook noodles & sauté onion: Cook the No Yolks Noodles according to package instructions. While noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped sweet onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook: Add minced garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for another 2 minutes to release its aroma.
  4. Cook turkey and jalapeño: Add ground turkey and chopped jalapeño to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Mix casserole ingredients: Combine cooked noodles, taco seasoning, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, and half of the cheese (1/2 cup) in the skillet. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the flavors.
  6. Assemble casserole: Spray an oven-safe casserole dish with non-stick spray. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and chopped cilantro over the top.
  7. Bake: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with red onion, cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, green onion, extra cheese if desired, avocado slices, and additional salsa. Serve warm.
  9. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, keep the jalapeño seeds or add more peppers.
  • Feel free to use fresh, frozen, or canned corn depending on availability.
  • Adjust the cheese type or amount to suit your taste; Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are great alternatives.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.
  • Leftover portions can be reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.

Keywords: Mexican noodle casserole, ground turkey casserole, baked noodle dish, easy weeknight dinner, tortilla free Mexican casserole

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