Aztec Casserole
A hearty and cheesy Mexican-inspired casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, crisp Doritos, and melted Velveeta cheese, perfect for casual family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chili powder, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped jalapenos (if desired), and drained corn to the cooked beef. Mix well.
- In a baking dish, layer a portion of Doritos on the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced Velveeta cheese over the Doritos.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Repeat layering with remaining Doritos and Velveeta cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese melts and the casserole is heated through, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're looking to lighten up the dish, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. Incorporating some diced tomatoes can add moisture and flavor, complementing the other ingredients nicely.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole serves well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds a delightful creaminess. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Tostitos Dip for extra crunch. It pairs beautifully with Skillet Taco Pie for a themed dinner night.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Aztec Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, making sure to cover the dish to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aztec Casserole contains roughly 248 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 742mg per serving (32% 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
How can I customize the toppings?
Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preference! You can add sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or even shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch. For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle some additional cheese on top before serving.
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).