Corn Chip Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, crunchy corn chips, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 pkg. taco seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies
- 1 small can chopped black olives ⓘ
- 1 pkg. corn chips ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in vegetable oil.
- Add chopped onion, garlic powder, taco seasoning, salt, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Simmer about 10 minutes.
- Add diced green chilies and chopped black olives.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in a greased 9 x 12-inch pan, followed by half the corn chips.
- Spread half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chips.
- Add the remaining meat mixture on top.
- Spread 2 cups of sour cream evenly over the meat layer.
- Cover with the remaining corn chips.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally with salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use low-fat cheese and sour cream to lighten the dish. Consider using tortilla chips instead of corn chips for a different texture. For a fresh twist, top with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Corn Chip Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions. It pairs beautifully with salsa or guacamole on the side for a fresh touch. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad or some Mexican rice. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be easily doubled for larger crowds.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corn Chip Casserole contains roughly 342 calories, with 14g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1753mg per serving (76% 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 stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you prefer, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option. Alternatively, cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk can create a similar texture and flavor, making it a great alternative in this recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is delicious, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend for added flavor. Each cheese will give a unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
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).