El Dorado Beef
A flavorful and hearty beef dish layered with olives, green chilies, and creamy cheese, perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining friends with bold tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the hamburger until browned, then add garlic powder, cumin, chopped olives, the can of ???, tomato sauce, and chopped onions. Mix well and set aside.
- Combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and chopped green chilies in a bowl and set aside.
- Grate the cheese and crush the Doritos slightly.
- Assemble the dish by layering the beef mixture, cheese, and Doritos, then top with the cheese mixture.
- Bake until heated through and bubbly, then serve garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a can of black beans or corn to the beef mixture. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for mild green chilies or reduce the amount. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To add a crunch, use crushed tortilla chips instead of Doritos, or mix in some fresh jalapeños for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it with guacamole and salsa on the side for added flavor. For a fun twist, consider serving it in taco shells or on a bed of lettuce for a lighter option. Browse more Mexican recipes for more ideas to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful not to overheat, which may make the dish dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of El Dorado Beef contains roughly 514 calories, with 25g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), protein (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 734mg per serving (32% 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 El Dorado Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and the cheese mixture a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, layer and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or even cream cheese for a creamier texture. Another option is to use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist while still keeping it creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, El Dorado Beef can be frozen. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual until heated 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).