Beef Ole
Beef Ole is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef with fresh vegetables and creamy toppings. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, it combines savory meat with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy sour cream, and crunchy Fritos or chips for a satisfying meal with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion together until crumbly and browned; drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning mix to the meat and onion in a large frying pan.
- Mix evenly to combine.
- Add tomato paste and water; simmer for 30 minutes.
- On a serving plate, pour 3/4 to 1 cup of the meat mixture.
- Top with grated cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, chopped onion, black olives, cubed avocado, and sour cream.
- Serve with Fritos or tortilla chips for scooping, or pour meat over chips to eat with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have taco seasoning, you can create your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version or browse more vegetarian recipes for alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beef Ole as a fun party dish or a casual family meal. It pairs beautifully with Fritos or tortilla chips for scooping. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or a side of Spanish hominy for a complete meal. Consider offering a variety of toppings for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Beef Ole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If you want to freeze it, make sure to separate the toppings and store them separately after cooling to maintain freshness when reheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Ole contains roughly 296 calories, with 35g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. At about 296 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 Beef Ole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it and assemble with your preferred toppings. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted if necessary to ensure the meat is properly cooked through.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make Beef Ole more filling, consider adding cooked rice or beans to the meat mixture. This not only enhances the texture but also adds extra nutrients and fiber, creating a hearty meal that pairs well with taco flavors.
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).