Fiesta Stack-Ups
Fiesta Stack-Ups combine savory ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, beans, and cheese layered in crispy corn chips, perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans tomato puree ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 6 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 (23 oz.) cans Ranch Style beans ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) cans crushed corn chips ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) box cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 lb. Longhorn Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 large head lettuce, chopped
- 5 to 6 tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can ripe olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can ripe olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. pecans, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add remaining ingredients (except beans) to the skillet and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir in the Ranch Style beans and heat thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or black beans. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can also enhance the flavor. Remember to taste as you go and adjust seasonings to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fiesta Stack-Ups over a bed of chopped lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Complement the dish with sides like Mexican rice or cornbread, such as Mom'S Mexican Cornbread(Good Crowd Pleaser). Garnish with fresh avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. This dish is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with Easy Mexican Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Stack-Ups contains roughly 2592 calories, with 75g protein, 293g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (149% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Longhorn Cheddar adds a great flavor, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a Mexican blend for a different taste. Just ensure the cheese melts well to keep that delicious, gooey texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Fiesta Stack-Ups gluten-free, ensure that the tomato products and beans are certified gluten-free. You can also substitute crushed corn chips with gluten-free tortilla chips or crushed cornflakes. Always check labels to be safe.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Fiesta Stack-Ups can be repurposed in many ways! Use them as a filling for burritos or tacos, or layer them in a casserole dish with cheese for a baked version. They can also be served over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
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).