Beef King Ranch Casserole
A hearty, cheesy beef casserole layered with tortillas and flavorful spices, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining rich beef, melted cheese, and bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 cups shredded beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 12 ounces canned evaporated milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Add vegetable oil to a large heated skillet and sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.
- Mix in salt, pepper, cumin, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add evaporated milk, Ro-Tel, and condensed beef broth; bring to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded beef and Cheddar cheese.
- Cut corn tortillas into quarters and place half into a greased 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with half of the beef mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining tortillas and beef mixture, ending with the beef mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover roast beef or brisket instead of shredded beef. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it a great option for meal prep or family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of fresh guacamole and sour cream for a delicious contrast. A simple green salad or some Mexican rice can complement the dish nicely. It also pairs beautifully with the Bean And Rice Enchilada Casserole for a Tex-Mex feast. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Beef King Ranch Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot. You can also freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef King Ranch Casserole contains roughly 477 calories, with 15g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (170% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1241mg per serving (54% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate it overnight, then bake it when you're ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the corn tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute. Alternatively, you could layer the casserole with cooked rice or even tortilla chips for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you change the base.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the shredded beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans. Use a plant-based cheese option to keep it vegetarian-friendly. This version maintains the hearty feel of the original while catering to vegetarian diets.
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).