Cheesy Chili Hot Dish
A hearty, cheesy chili hot dish combining ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheeses, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners craving bold flavors and crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 package chili seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 4 cups tortilla chips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- chopped green or black olives (optional) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Stir in the drained corn, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning mix.
- Add the Velveeta cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.
- Spread half of the meat mixture into the bottom of a 1 1/2 to 2 quart square casserole dish.
- Top with half of the tortilla chips.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with the remaining chips, chopped tomatoes, olives (if using), and Cheddar cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicy chili seasoning mix. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef can save you effort. Feel free to swap Velveeta with a different melting cheese like Monterey Jack, but keep in mind it may alter the creaminess. This dish can also be made vegetarian by substituting ground beef with a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy chili hot dish with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mell'S Reuben Dip as an appetizer for gatherings. For a fun twist, offer a toppings bar with additional olives, jalapeños, or diced avocado to let guests customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until warm. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chili Hot Dish contains roughly 963 calories, with 52g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (103% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1826mg per serving (79% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of tortilla chips?
If you want a different texture, you can substitute tortilla chips with crushed cornflakes or even nacho-flavored chips. Alternatively, consider serving it with breadsticks or alongside soft bread rolls for dipping.
Can I freeze the cheesy chili hot dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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).