Chipo Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, green chilies, and crispy chips, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef with diced onions until browned; drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat and return meat to the stove.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup; stir well.
- Season with pepper, salt, seasoned salt, and garlic powder; cook for 10 minutes or until bubbly hot.
- Add diced green chilies or jalapenos for extra heat.
- Layer a casserole dish with chips; spread the meat mixture over the chips.
- Top with more chips and then sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
- Microwave for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the meat mixture before layering. If you want a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use a mix of different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor. If you're using fresh jalapenos, be sure to adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
This Chipo Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some corn on the cob for a hearty meal. You can serve it with sour cream and salsa on the side for added flavor. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it alongside Chicken Breast With Orange Sauce for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and the cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chipo Casserole contains roughly 198 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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 without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of chips should I use?
Classic tortilla chips work best for a crunchy base, but you can also experiment with flavored chips like nacho cheese for an extra kick. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using baked tortilla chips or even whole grain varieties.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. This is a great way to have a quick meal on hand for busy nights.
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).