Cheesy Chilada Casserole
A hearty cheesy chiliad casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese layered with tortillas, perfect for comfort food lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 c. picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- shredded lettuce (optional) ⓘ
- dairy sour cream (optional) ⓘ
- chopped tomato (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown meat with green pepper, onion, and garlic in a 10-inch skillet; drain.
- Add beans, tomato sauce, picante, cumin, and salt; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Spoon a small amount of meat mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, spreading to coat the bottom.
- Layer 6 tortillas over the meat mixture, overlapping to cover the bottom.
- Top with half the remaining meat mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
- Cover with remaining tortillas, overlapping to cover the cheese, then top with the remaining meat mixture.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a hotter picante sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, or use black beans instead of pinto beans for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can also work well. Serve with a side of shredded lettuce and dairy sour cream for a refreshing contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chili Con Questa Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped tomatoes and a dollop of dairy sour cream. It pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Meat And Cheese Tortillas for a hearty family dinner. This dish is perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cheesy Chilada Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chilada Casserole contains roughly 567 calories, with 33g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2209mg per serving (96% 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 a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be a suitable alternative. They may result in a slightly different texture, but they will still hold up well in the casserole. You can also try using tortilla chips for a layered dip-style casserole, which could be a fun variation for serving.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for about 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to have a convenient meal ready to go.
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).