Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings together the comfort of macaroni and cheese with the bold spices of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and bursting with flavor. The creamy, cheesy base is balanced with just the right amount of spice, making it a go-to meal for families and spice-lovers alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
• Ground beef (or ground turkey)
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Taco seasoning
• Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
• Tomato sauce
• Black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Corn (canned or frozen)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Stir in cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well to combine.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
• Add sliced jalapeños for heat.
• Mix in cooked bell peppers or zucchini for added vegetables.
• Swap out black beans for pinto or kidney beans.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can make it spicier or milder to suit your taste.

What kind of pasta is best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but penne, rotini, or shells also work well.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely. A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano works great.

Can I add salsa?

Yes, stir in ½ cup of salsa for extra flavor and moisture.

What toppings go well with this casserole?

Sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed tortilla chips all pair well.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in individual portions or as a whole casserole. Reheat from thawed for best results.

Can I add rice instead of pasta?

Yes, cooked rice can be used in place of macaroni for a Tex-Mex rice bake version.

Conclusion

Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole is a flavor-packed, family-friendly meal that delivers cheesy comfort with a spicy twist. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole

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Macaroni Tex Mex Casserole is a bold, cheesy fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and comforting pasta. Made with ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s a satisfying, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
2. 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
3. 1 small onion, diced
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
6. 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
7. 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
8. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
9. 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
10. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11. 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend
12. 1 tbsp olive oil
13. 1/2 tsp salt
14. 1/4 tsp black pepper
15. Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Add cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Top with remaining cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or shredded chicken.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips after baking for crunch.
• Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 85mg