Slow Cooker Cheesy Mexican Goulash Bake
Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s waiting for you when you get home? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mexican Goulash Bake is the perfect answer! Crafted with layers of flavorful fat-free chili, refried beans, and sweet corn, all smothered in zesty salsa and topped with gooey fat-free cheese, this dish delivers a wonderful combination of textures that both kids and adults will adore. Simple to assemble, it cooks slowly over seven hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s the ideal comfort food that’s low in fat yet big on taste, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Serve it hot with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
fat-free chili
1 (15 ounce can)
fat-free refried beans
1 (16 ounce can)
whole kernel corn
1 (12 ounce can, drained)
salsa
1 1/2 (cups)
fat-free cheese
1 (cup, shredded (your choice))
flour tortillas
5 (10 inch round)
sour cream
to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Cheesy Mexican Goulash Bake?
It is a hearty, low-fat Mexican-inspired casserole made with layers of fat-free chili, refried beans, corn, and tortillas, cooked slowly in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook this Mexican Goulash?
This dish should be cooked slowly over a period of seven hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include fat-free chili, fat-free refried beans, whole kernel corn, salsa, fat-free cheese, and flour tortillas.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, by using fat-free chili, fat-free refried beans, and fat-free cheese, this recipe is designed to be low in fat while remaining high in flavor.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
The recipe calls for five 10-inch round flour tortillas to create the layers within the slow cooker.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
While flour tortillas provide a specific soft texture, you can substitute with corn tortillas for a different texture or to make the dish gluten-free (check other ingredients for gluten).
How much salsa do I need?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of your favorite salsa for this recipe.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of shredded fat-free cheese. You can choose any variety you prefer, such as cheddar or a Mexican blend.
Do I need to drain the corn?
Yes, it is recommended to drain the 12-ounce can of whole kernel corn before adding it to the slow cooker.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly meal that both children and adults will enjoy due to its cheesy texture and mild Mexican flavors.
What size cans of chili and beans are required?
You will need one 15-ounce can of fat-free chili and one 16-ounce can of fat-free refried beans.
Can I add sour cream to this dish?
Yes, sour cream is optional but recommended as a topping for an extra creamy finish when serving.
How is the dish assembled?
The dish is assembled by layering the chili, beans, corn, and salsa with the flour tortillas inside the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal that can be assembled and left to cook while you are away from home.
What makes this a 'goulash' bake?
In this context, 'goulash' refers to the hearty, mixed, and layered nature of the ingredients cooking together into a single-pot comfort meal.
Can I use regular cheese instead of fat-free?
Absolutely. If you are not concerned about fat content, regular shredded cheese will work perfectly and may melt even better.
What kind of chili should I use?
The recipe specifies fat-free chili. You can choose a vegetarian version or one with meat, depending on your dietary preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the salsa you choose. Use a mild salsa for a kid-friendly version or a hot salsa if you prefer more heat.
How many tortillas are used?
The recipe requires 5 large (10-inch) flour tortillas.
Can I add extra meat to this recipe?
Yes, you could add cooked ground beef or turkey to the layers if you want to increase the protein content.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, frozen corn can be used as a substitute for canned corn; just ensure it is thawed or adjusted for cooking time.
What is the best way to serve the Mexican Goulash Bake?
Serve it hot, straight from the slow cooker, garnished with sour cream, and perhaps some fresh cilantro or avocado.
Is this a good option for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it is simple to assemble and cooks unattended in the slow cooker, it is an ideal weeknight dinner option.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients, including the optional sour cream.
Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?
While the recipe suggests 7 hours (typically the 'low' setting), you could likely cook it on 'high' for 3-4 hours, though slow cooking is best for flavor melding.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish features a wonderful combination of textures: soft tortillas, creamy beans, crunchy corn, and gooey melted cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be vegetarian if you ensure the fat-free chili used is a vegetarian or bean-only variety.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Do I need to grease the slow cooker?
It is usually a good idea to lightly grease the slow cooker or use a liner to prevent the cheese and tortillas from sticking to the sides.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or black olives to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.