Cheesy Chili Casserole
A flavorful cheesy chili casserole featuring ground beef, corn, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, layered with crispy tortilla chips. Perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped green pepper and onion, then sauté until tender.
- Stir in corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, and half of the cheese spread. Cook until cheese melts.
- Spread 1 cup of the meat mixture onto the bottom of a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with 1 cup of tortilla chips.
- Repeat layering the meat mixture and chips twice more.
- Top with remaining meat mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Add remaining chips, chopped tomato, and remaining cheese spread on top.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the ground round. You can also use fresh corn instead of canned for a sweeter flavor. To save time, prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. This dish pairs wonderfully with Mexicorn Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheesy Chili Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. It pairs well with a side of Mexican recipes like Miniature Mexican Frittatas or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some sour cream and guacamole for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chili Casserole contains roughly 441 calories, with 33g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (225% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (156% of the Daily Value), and protein (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 529mg per serving (23% 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 foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s still cold from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground round with a mix of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, or use a meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu. Ensure that your cheese spread is also vegetarian-friendly.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Cheesy Chili Casserole makes for a delicious lunch or dinner. You can reheat it as is or transform it into a quesadilla by placing it between tortillas and grilling until crispy. It can also be served over rice or used as a filling for Quick Healthy Burritos for a quick meal.
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).