Zesty Southwest Beef Casserole
Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty Zesty Southwest Beef Casserole, packed with rich flavors and textures. This one-dish wonder combines seasoned ground beef with creamy refried beans, zesty green chilies, and a melty layer of cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy tortilla chips, fresh tomatoes, and a pop of green onions and olives, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Share this delicious recipe that brings a taste of the Southwest right to your table!
6
Servings
367
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
chopped celery
1/4 cup (fresh)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
taco seasoning
1 envelope (packaged)
water
1/4 cup (liquid)
refried beans
2 (16 ounce) cans (canned)
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (canned)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
green onions
2 (sliced)
tomatoes
2 (chopped)
ripe olives
1/4 cup (sliced)
tortilla chips
1 1/4 cups (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped celery and onion until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3
Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing until well combined.
4
Add the refried beans and chopped green chilies to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated. Allow to simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
5
Transfer the beef mixture into a 9x13-inch baking pan and spread it out evenly.
6
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, uncovered.
7
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Follow with the sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
8
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your zesty Southwest beef casserole!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
37g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwest Beef Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish wonder combining seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, zesty green chilies, and melted cheddar cheese topped with crispy tortilla chips.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 367 calories per serving.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size skillet is recommended for browning the beef?
A large 12-inch skillet is recommended for browning the beef with the vegetables.
What vegetables are cooked with the ground beef?
Chopped celery and chopped onion are browned along with the ground beef until softened.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, drain any excess fat after browning the meat and vegetables if necessary.
How much taco seasoning is required?
One envelope of packaged taco seasoning is required for this recipe.
How much water is added to the beef mixture?
Add 1/4 cup of water to the beef and seasoning mixture.
What kind of beans are used in this casserole?
The recipe uses two 16-ounce cans of canned refried beans.
What size can of green chilies is needed?
Use one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies.
What size baking pan should be used?
The beef mixture should be transferred into a 9x13-inch baking pan.
How long is the initial baking time?
The casserole should bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top after the initial bake.
What toppings are added after the first 35 minutes of baking?
Toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, and crushed tortilla chips.
How much longer does it bake after adding toppings?
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
How much ground beef is used?
One pound of browned ground beef is used in this dish.
What provides the crunch in this casserole?
Crushed tortilla chips added as a topping provide an extra crunch.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced green onions.
How many tomatoes are used for the topping?
Use 2 chopped fresh tomatoes for the final topping layer.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 15 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much celery is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of fresh chopped celery.
How much onion is used in the base?
Use 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion.
How many olives are needed?
Use 1/4 cup of sliced ripe olives.
How many tortilla chips are needed for the topping?
Use 1 1/4 cups of crushed tortilla chips.
Should the beef mixture simmer before baking?
Yes, allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes after adding beans and chilies to enhance the flavors.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after the final bake before serving.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is a family-friendly comfort food dish that is easy to prepare for weeknight dinners.