Bandido'S(Serves 10 People)
A hearty, flavorful chili-like dish with rich tomato, cheese, and vegetable toppings, perfect for parties, buffets, or family dinners, offering bold tastes and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- ??? lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 2 small (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 small (8 oz.) cans water ⓘ
- 3 small (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. Accent
- 4 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- garlic salt to taste
- 1 1/2 lb. grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 bunch chopped scallions ⓘ
- 2 medium chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small head torn lettuce ⓘ
- 1 large can chopped olives ⓘ
- 1 large bottle chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 medium chopped avocados ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger with chopped onion.
- Add tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, salt, cumin, Accent, and sugar. Stir well and simmer.
- Adjust garlic salt to taste.
- Top with grated cheese, chopped scallions, chopped tomatoes, torn lettuce, chopped olives, chopped mushrooms, and chopped avocados or guacamole.
- Serve topped with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try browning the hamburger with some minced garlic or onion. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the hamburger with lentils or black beans. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste, and consider adding some diced bell peppers for extra crunch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Bean Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of rice or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. For an extra creamy touch, top with sour cream or guacamole. This dish is great for gatherings and pairs well with Baked Pizza Spaghetti for an inviting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bandido'S(Serves 10 People) contains roughly 237 calories, with 9g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 615mg per serving (27% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply follow the cooking instructions, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or in the oven until warmed through. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture while it simmers. Additionally, using spicy chili powder instead of regular can elevate the heat level. Just be sure to adjust the other spices accordingly to maintain balance.
What can I substitute for the grated cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Alternatively, you could top the dish with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. The cheese choice can significantly alter the dish's flavor profile.
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).