Chile Manana
A hearty layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, green chilies, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Heat together the Pet milk, cream of chicken soup, and chopped green chilies until warm.
- Cut the corn tortillas into quarters.
- Layer in a casserole dish: tortillas, sauce mixture, cooked meat, and grated Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you don't have Pet milk, regular milk or half-and-half can be used as a substitute. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter dish. Layering the tortillas with a mix of shredded cheeses can enhance flavor, similar to what's found in Judy'S Chicken Tortilla Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chile Manana with a side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. Pairing it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds creaminess that complements the dish well. It also goes wonderfully with Mexican recipes like Southwestern Chicken Salad Wraps, making for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This will help retain moisture and keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chile Manana contains roughly 143 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% 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 use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese would add a delightful flavor. Mixing cheeses can also create a more complex taste, similar to the layered cheese found in traditional Mexican recipes.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Chile Manana vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This will keep the dish hearty while maintaining great flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, simply remove the foil and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
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).