Big Sky Beef
Big Sky Beef is a hearty, flavorful casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy corn chips, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions; drain excess fat.
- Mix in taco seasoning and water, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add tomato sauce and kidney beans; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Spread 1 cup of corn chips in a baking dish.
- Layer half of the meat mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the remaining 1 cup of corn chips on top.
- Add the remaining meat mixture and cheese in layers.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicy taco seasoning mix. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans work as a great substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with A Touch Of Mexico Casserole for a Tex-Mex themed meal. You can also add a simple green salad or guacamole to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Big Sky Beef contains roughly 701 calories, with 37g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1938mg per serving (84% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I substitute for Fritos Corn Chips?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can use baked tortilla chips or crushed corn tortillas. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free corn chips or even serve it over rice for a different texture.
Can I freeze the Big Sky Beef casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).