Hearty Tex-Mex Beef and Chip Casserole
Delight in the flavors of the Southwestern U.S. with this Hearty Tex-Mex Beef and Chip Casserole! Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and crunchy tortilla chips create a satisfying and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Optional add-ins like black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro meld beautifully with the savory filling, offering a customizable spin on the classic recipe. It's easy to make and a fantastic crowd-pleaser, sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
2 lbs
onion
1 (chopped)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can
sour cream
1 cup
cottage cheese
1 cup
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can
sliced black olives
2 (3 7/8 ounce) cans
cheddar cheese
1 lb (shredded)
tortilla chips
8 ounces (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the extra lean ground beef along with the chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Add the kosher salt, chili powder, cumin, and the can of tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine, and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, enhancing the flavors.
4
While the meat is simmering, prepare your casserole pan by generously buttering a 9 x 13 inch dish.
5
Crush the tortilla chips lightly and spread half of them evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
6
Layer the meat sauce over the crushed chips, followed by dollops of sour cream and cottage cheese. Sprinkle on the chopped green chilies and sliced black olives for added texture and flavor.
7
Top the layers with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, then cover with the remaining crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
8
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with your choice of sides!
Nutrition Information
36g
Fat
32g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tex-Mex Beef and Chip Casserole?
It is a Southwestern-style layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and crunchy tortilla chips.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of extra lean ground beef.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 9 x 13 inch casserole pan is required.
How many calories are in a serving?
This recipe contains approximately 600 calories per serving.
Which spices are used to season the beef?
The beef is seasoned with kosher salt, chili powder, and cumin.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
Allow the meat mixture to simmer for 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
What dairy products are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of sour cream and cottage cheese.
How much cheddar cheese do I need?
You will need 1 lb of shredded cheddar cheese.
Are there any suggested add-ins for this casserole?
Optional add-ins like black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro can be used to customize the dish.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Should I drain the beef after browning?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef and onions.
How many cans of black olives are used?
The recipe uses two 3 7/8 ounce cans of sliced black olives.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 32g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 37.5g of protein.
What type of tomato sauce should I use?
Use one 15-ounce can of standard tomato sauce.
How should the tortilla chips be prepared?
The tortilla chips should be lightly crushed before layering.
Can I use different types of chilies?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies, but you can adjust based on your spice preference.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should generously butter the casserole pan before assembly.
What is the total fat content?
The recipe has 36g of fat per serving.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer crushed chips, meat sauce, sour cream, cottage cheese, chilies, olives, shredded cheese, and more chips.
What can I serve as a side dish?
It pairs well with guacamole or a fresh garden salad.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe specifies beef, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
Does this recipe contain onions?
Yes, it uses one chopped onion cooked with the beef.
How many ounces of tortilla chips are needed?
You will need 8 ounces of tortilla chips.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to make it easier to slice.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I add extra heat to the recipe?
Yes, you can increase the chili powder or add jalapeños if you prefer a spicier flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Tex-Mex casserole.