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
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)
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- Add garlic and cook: Add minced garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for another 2 minutes to release its aroma.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- 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.
- 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