El Dorado Beef Cheese Casserole
A hearty Tex-Mex casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, green chilies, and olives, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. instant minced onions ⓘ
- 2 cans water ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 can green chilies, chopped
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 small cans tomato sauce
- 1 cup sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 package tortilla chips ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ground beef in a cold skillet and brown. Drain excess grease.
- Add instant minced onions, tomato sauce, and water to the skillet. Simmer until flavors meld.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, chopped green chilies, and sliced black olives. Mix well and set aside.
- Layer tortilla chips in a casserole dish. Spread the beef mixture over the chips.
- Top with grated Monterey Jack cheese and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, and garlic salt.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, topped with the cheese mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier twist. If you like more heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to swap the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack to suit your taste. Pair this dish with a side of Spanish Rice With Beef for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some fresh guacamole for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Gwen'S Taco Dish for a fun and festive dinner spread. Don't forget to place extra tortilla chips on the table for scooping!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover El Dorado Beef Cheese Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but the oven will keep the chips crisper.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of El Dorado Beef Cheese Casserole contains roughly 324 calories, with 15g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg per serving (51% 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 in advance. Assemble the layers but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans and chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture. Replace the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese for the topping. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian variation of this hearty dish.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, bake it first and let it cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until warmed through.
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).