GROUND BEEF CASSEROLE (Mexican American Style)

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories without sacrificing taste.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

black beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Kidney beans are often less expensive while providing similar nutrition.

Place water in a medium sized saucepan and bring it to a boil.

Cook 1.5 cups dry macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, adding olive oil to prevent sticking.

In a large frying pan, add olive oil and 1 pound of ground beef; break it up and fry until browned.

Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.

Chop 1 cup of sweet onion and add to the meat in the frying pan.

Prepare 0.5 cup of red bell pepper and 0.5 jalapeno pepper, removing seeds and chopping finely; add to the meat mixture.

Peel and shred 1 medium carrot and add to the meat mixture.

Add 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons chili powder, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning to the meat mixture.

Add 3-4 tablespoons of six bean mix and 16 ounces of tomato sauce to the meat mixture.

Add 2 cups of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of sweet canned corn to the mixture and mix well.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture.

Add 0.5 cup of mexicana 3 cheese blend to the mixture and mix.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9 by 13 inch casserole dish.

Top with 2 cups of mexicana 3 cheese blend and 1 cup of double cheddar cheese.

Place in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 25 minutes.

Switch to broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Remove from oven and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens