Arizona Casserole
A hearty layered casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, creamy cottage cheese, and melted cheeses, perfect for feeding large groups with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- garlic to taste ⓘ
- 3 small cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small can chopped black olives ⓘ
- 1 small can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 large cottage cheese with 1 egg mixed in ⓘ
- Monterey Jack cheese and/or Cheddar cheese grated ⓘ
- softened corn tortillas quartered ⓘ
- chili powder to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground meat, garlic, and chopped onions.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar, black olives, green chilies, and chili powder; heat through until well blended.
- Layer the casserole starting with the meat mixture, then cottage cheese with eggs, grated cheese, and softened tortillas.
- Continue layering; end with meat and cheese so tortillas won't dry out.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider adding additional spices such as cumin or smoked paprika to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for ground meat. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for black beans or lentils and use a plant-based cheese alternative. This Arizona Casserole is versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Arizona Casserole with a side of fresh salad or cilantro dip for a refreshing contrast. It's perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Pair it with Mexican corn strips for added crunch or enjoy it alongside chili rellenos for a heartier meal. This dish is sure to impress guests and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Casserole contains roughly 436 calories, with 40g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (80% of the Daily Value), iron (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're cooking it straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
What type of ground meat works best for this recipe?
Ground beef is a popular choice for its flavor, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, consider using black beans or lentils as a hearty substitute. Each option brings a unique taste that complements the other ingredients well.
Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Yes, this Arizona Casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions directly from frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).