Savory Taco & Chile Casserole Delight
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Taco & Chile Casserole Delight. A fusion of classic Mexican flavors, this casserole combines the savory richness of seasoned ground beef with the creaminess of eggs and cheese, all elevated by the unique taste of diced green chilies. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a quick and effortless way to enjoy the flavors of tacos and chiles rellenos in a single bite. With its golden top and hearty base, it's sure to become a staple recipe that pleases both kids and adults alike. Plus, it's made effortlessly in an air fryer for a quick weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (85% lean, seasoned with taco seasoning and salt.)
Salt-free taco seasoning
1 tablespoon (to season the ground beef.)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to enhance flavor.)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking pan.)
Large eggs
2 (beaten, to create the topping mixture.)
Milk
1/2 cup (to add creaminess to the topping.)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (to thicken the topping.)
Diced mild green chilies
1 (7 ounce) can (to mix into the topping.)
Shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup (to fold into the topping for richness.)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season the topping mixture.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Taco & Chile Casserole Delight?
It is a fusion of classic Mexican flavors, combining seasoned ground beef with a creamy egg and cheese topping flavored with diced green chilies.
What are the main ingredients for this casserole?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of ground beef, salt-free taco seasoning, eggs, milk, all-purpose flour, diced mild green chilies, and shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
Use 85% lean ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning and kosher salt before assembly.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be made effortlessly in an air fryer for a quick weeknight meal.
Is this casserole considered spicy?
The recipe uses diced mild green chilies, providing a unique flavor profile without high heat, making it family-friendly.
What type of taco seasoning is recommended?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of salt-free taco seasoning to better control the sodium content of the dish.
Why are eggs used in this recipe?
Beaten eggs are mixed with milk and flour to create a savory, custard-like topping that binds the cheese and chilies.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
What kind of cheese works best for the topping?
A shredded Mexican blend cheese is recommended for its melting properties and flavor, but cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.
Is the Savory Taco & Chile Casserole gluten-free?
As written, it contains 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking pan thoroughly with vegetable oil cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
Should I drain the green chilies?
Yes, it is best to drain the canned diced green chilies to prevent excess moisture from making the topping runny.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the egg mixture?
The all-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent to give the topping more structure and body.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires two large eggs for the topping mixture.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh mild chilies, but they should be roasted, peeled, and diced before being added.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the combination of beef, cheese, and mild flavors makes it a staple recipe that pleases both kids and adults.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn to the beef mixture can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
What size can of green chilies is required?
The recipe specifies one 7-ounce can of diced mild green chilies.
Can I make this in a regular oven?
Yes, if an air fryer is unavailable, you can bake it in a conventional oven at 350°F until the top is golden and the eggs are set.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs perfectly with traditional taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, or a fresh side salad.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can brown the beef and prepare the topping mixture ahead of time, then assemble and cook when ready to serve.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Savory Taco & Chile Casserole?
Yes, the cooked casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 325°F until warmed through to maintain the texture of the topping.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a hearty, savory base of seasoned beef with a soft, golden, and cheesy topping.
Is this recipe low carb?
It is relatively low in carbs, though it contains a small amount of flour and milk. Removing the flour would further reduce the carb count.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, using heavy cream will make the topping even richer and more decadent.
How much cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese to be folded into the topping.
Is kosher salt necessary?
Kosher salt is used for its clean flavor and texture, but regular table salt can be used in slightly smaller amounts.
Does this recipe taste like Chiles Rellenos?
It is inspired by those flavors, specifically through the combination of eggs, cheese, and green chilies, simplified into a casserole format.