Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole

Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole Recipe - Italian Sausage, Corn, and Cheddar

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of Mexican and Texan cuisine. This casserole is packed with savory sausage, beans, corn, and pasta, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

History

Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors, combining traditional Mexican ingredients with American influences. This pasta casserole takes inspiration from classic Tex-Mex dishes like chili con carne and enchiladas, creating a unique and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) italian sausage or smoked sausage (2 – 3 links)
1 large onion
0.5 green pepper
2 cloves garlic
2 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp oregano
0.5 tsp cumin (optional)
1 pinch hot pepper flakes (optional)
2 (16 oz (454 g)) jars whole tomatoes, drained
2 cup rotini pasta (2 cup uncooked that is)
1 cup frozen, canned or cooked corn
1.5 cup cheddar cheese
1 (19 oz (539 g)) can kidney beans
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

How to prepare

Cook the pasta and set it aside.
Fry the sausage, slice it into circles, and set it aside.
Sauté the onion, garlic, and peppers in a little oil until they are soft.
Add the spices and cook for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the pasta, 0.5 of the cheese, corn, beans, and sausage.
Pour the mixture into a 9x13 pan, top it with the remaining cheese, and bake it covered at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes.
Uncover the pan and bake it for an additional 5 minutes.

Variations

Use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add diced jalapenos or green chilies for a spicy kick.
Swap out the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tomatoes well before adding them to the dish to prevent excess liquid.

- Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking by adjusting the amount of chili powder and hot pepper flakes.

- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sausage and add extra beans or vegetables.

- Make sure to cover the casserole while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor. You can also top it with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.

- Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the dish.

- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne or rotini.

- Substitute the green pepper with red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.

- Use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes for a quicker cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or in a large serving dish for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 8g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 22g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 25%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheddar cheese)

Summary

This Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of Mexican and Texan cuisine. Packed with savory sausage, beans, corn, and pasta, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a delicious and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was handed down to me by my dear friend Maria, a lovely woman from Texas who had a passion for cooking up delicious Tex-Mex dishes. I remember the day she showed me how to make her famous Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole like it was yesterday.

It was a hot summer day, and Maria invited me over to her home for a cooking lesson. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the aroma of sizzling spices and simmering sauces. Maria had all the ingredients laid out on the counter, ready to be transformed into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

She started by cooking up some ground beef in a skillet, adding in a generous amount of chili powder, cumin, and garlic for that authentic Tex-Mex flavor. The scent of the spices filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Next, Maria added in some diced tomatoes, green chilies, and black beans, creating a rich and hearty sauce that would be the base of our casserole. She let it simmer for a while, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a delicious harmony.

While the sauce was bubbling away, Maria cooked up some pasta noodles until they were perfectly al dente. She then mixed the noodles with the sauce, along with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. The combination was creamy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Maria then poured the pasta mixture into a baking dish and topped it with more cheese before popping it into the oven to bake. As the casserole cooked, the cheese melted and bubbled, creating a golden crust that would be the crowning glory of our dish.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of mouthwatering anticipation, the Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole was ready. Maria pulled it out of the oven, and the smell that wafted from the dish was intoxicating. We couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor.

As we sat down to eat, Maria regaled me with stories of her childhood in Texas, where Tex-Mex cuisine was a way of life. She told me about the flavors and ingredients that were unique to the region, and how she had learned to cook from her own grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every bite of the delicious casserole. The flavors were bold and comforting, with a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, passed down through generations and cherished by all who tasted it.

After that day, I made Maria's Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole countless times, always thinking of her and the memories we shared in her kitchen. It became a staple in my own recipe collection, a dish that never failed to impress and satisfy.

And now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you too will feel the sense of awe and wonder that I did when I first learned to make it. May this dish bring you joy and comfort, just as it has for me and for all those who have tasted its deliciousness.

So go forth and cook, my dear one, and remember the love and tradition that goes into every bite of this Tex-Mex Pasta Casserole. And may it always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart, just like it has for me. Bon appétit!