A hearty, creamy, spicy comfort dish perfect for weeknights
If you’re craving a warm, bubbly casserole with a kick, this Cheesy Jalapeño Beef Casserole is about to become your new favorite. Loaded with savory ground beef, tender pasta, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeños, it’s the kind of meal that gets requested again and again. Even better—it’s easy enough for a quick dinner and makes amazing leftovers.
⭐ Ingredients
For the Casserole
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1 lb (450g) ground beef
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2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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2–3 jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave seeds for extra heat)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel-style), drained
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
For Topping
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Extra shredded cheese
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Sliced jalapeños (optional)
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Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add vegetables
Stir in diced onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Build the sauce
Add the cream soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir until everything is combined and creamy.
5. Add the cheese
Mix in the cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted into the sauce.
6. Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture. Stir until fully coated.
7. Assemble the casserole
Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top generously with extra cheese and sliced jalapeños.
8. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish & serve
Finish with cilantro or green onions. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Helpful Tips & Variations
Control the heat
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Remove jalapeño seeds for mild heat
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Use pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack for a spicy version
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Swap jalapeños for canned green chiles if you prefer a gentler flavor
Make it creamier
Add a splash of milk or heavy cream if you like a saucier casserole.
Boost the protein
Mix in black beans, kidney beans, or cooked crumbled bacon.
Add veggies
Corn, bell peppers, or spinach blend in perfectly.
Make ahead
Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add 10 extra minutes to the bake time).
Freezer-friendly
Prepare fully, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake.
