Festive Tostada Bake
A flavorful layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, green olives, and melted cheese, topped with crunchy chips. Perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pimento-stuffed green olives ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1 can (15 3/4 oz.) chili hot beans ⓘ
- 1 cup slightly crushed corn chips ⓘ
- 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef with green pepper and onion.
- Drain well.
- Add green olives and seasonings.
- Place in a shallow ovenproof casserole.
- Spoon sour cream over the meat.
- Pour beans evenly over the sour cream.
- Sprinkle corn chips over the beans.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the green olives with black olives for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Make sure to drain the beans well to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. This recipe can also be adapted for a vegetarian version by using black beans or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Festive Tostada Bake with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Betty'S Mexican Casserole for a festive gathering. For a crunchy contrast, consider serving with tortilla chips and salsa. You can also top individual servings with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes for added freshness.
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 and cover with foil, warming at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Tostada Bake contains roughly 891 calories, with 22g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2128mg per serving (93% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and layer the casserole in advance. Cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option that provides similar creaminess. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and a splash of milk can also work well. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, as these alternatives may have different flavor profiles.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar adds great flavor, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend for a more complex taste. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may melt differently, so choose one that complements the dish and your personal preference.
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).