Pressure Cooker Mexican Casserole

Our quick Pressure cooker Mexican casserole with ground sausage, corn, black beans, Rotel and bowtie pasta noodles is total comfort food! Everything cooks together which means you can make this one pot meal in less than 5 minutes flat.

This casserole was created quite on accident and aren’t those the best meals when they turn out amazing??!! Seriously I threw in some beans, corn, noodles and cream of mushroom soup to make it creamy from the pantry and voila, this favorite dish was born. Find it on our long list of easy Instant Pot recipes.

I have used all different shapes and sizes for noodles with this, made it with ground beef, and later tried it as one of our leftover chicken recipes Instant Pot meals and each time it was a super success so I thought I would share it with all of you.

NO draining is even required which makes the meal prep practically nothing. You just open the cans, dump everything in and let it cook for just a few minutes. I like using what is on hand because I hate wasting food. Choose whichever sounds best for you and go with it!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients you’ll need to make this Instant Pot casserole of ours. Of course you can tweak certain things like omitting the bell peppers if you don’t like them etc. You should never alter or change the amount of liquid to pasta or rice added though, those are carefully tested so there is just enough to become tender.

• Ground sausage, we prefer spicy sausage, you could use ground beef or diced chicken breasts
• Rotel or use a can of mild enchilada sauce if you don’t want any heat
• Black beans are canned to make things easier
• Canned corn is drained
• Beef broth is better than water that doesn’t offer flavor
• Pasta – we used bowtie or shells
• Onion diced fine is nice for texture
• Bell peppers are optional but chopped small are a nice touch
• Olive oil I just use to saute the meat
• Cream of mushroom soup or chicken version works fine too
• Sour cream dollop can be added on top when serving
• Optional chili powder and/or green chiles if you want to add heat
  • a packet of taco seasoning could be added as well if you wish
• You could read our how to cook tomatillos and chop up to add those too

Variations

If I only had a can of diced tomatoes I would’ve used that. Or if you have an issue with any heat at all that is a good alternative to RoTel. I do love a little spice though and this is just enough, the mild version that is. I’m all about using what I have on hand, especially when proteins are about to expire. I HATE to waste food, so I usually just raid the pantry and come up with something new.

Made with Rice

If you wanted to use rice instead of noodles I would suggest following our Instant Pot Mexican chicken and rice version of that style of dinner.

Ninja Foodi (Option)

We have it on our roundup of Ninja Foodi recipes too. It doesn’t matter what brand you have, it will work great! With this one you just use the lid that is not attached. If you do want to melt another top layer of cheese like we did with our Ninja Foodi spaghetti you would switch to lid that is attached at the end.

Tips to Remember

It is important after you saute any meats to deglaze the pot after that is complete AND turn the pot off to cool. If you don’t do one or either you risk the temp. rising, the machine displaying the burn notice and it will stop working all together. That means dinner is ruined, or at least postponed quite a bit.

If you have an Instant Pot I HIGHLY suggest to get a non stick pot. It will help to avoid the burn notice from appearing when creating any and all recipes.

I didn’t feel like I even needed a side dish for this meal. With the carbs, vegetables and protein all together I served it as is. A side salad would work well though, or some easy rolls. If you don’t have cheese on hand you could leave that out. Or if you needed a dairy free dinner then omit but that stuff goes on everything around here!

Egg noodles just need 2 minutes on high pressure with quick released pressure. Others like these are good with 3. If you like al dente then stick to 2 as well. Use a quick release or else noodles will become way too soft.

Something else to note: I do not drain any of the cans which adds to the overall liquid. Different brands of black beans are different colors. Some juices inside are darker than others. If you don’t want that juice to discolor the dish you can rinse but add 1/4 cup water or broth to compensate for that liquid lost.

How to serve

Top with a dollop of sour cream when done and OH MY is this Mexican casserole amazing!! If you have a Ninja Foodi just sprinkle 1/2 cup (or more) cheese on top when done. Then close air crisp lid. About 5 minutes is all you need to melt and make it lightly browned on top.

You can transfer everything into a baking dish. Then put it under your broiler for about 4 minutes until cheddar cheese is gooey and perfect. This makes it into a sort of enchilada casserole of sorts.

How do I save leftovers?

First always allow your family loved food to cool completely, and don’t leave it out for longer than 2 hours. Then transfer from the pot or dish to airtight containers and into your fridge.

How do you reheat a refrigerated casserole?

I prefer that individual meals be reheated, not the whole thing. Spoon what you want to eat right then into a microwave safe dish. Cook in 30 second increments, stirring in between until it’s as hot as desired.

Other Easy Instant Pot recipes You’ll Love

Ninja Foodi macaroni and cheese in your pressure cooker is way better than boxed, and faster than in your slow cooker for sure. Instant Pot chili mac recipe is super cheap to make too if you’re looking for budget friendly meals.

Enchilada lasagna bakes in the oven with similar ingredients and is great. Air fryer flautas are amazing with this. Our Instant Pot hamburger casserole is over the top delicious says everyone who tries it.