Mexicali Mary
A hearty, cheesy Mexican-inspired dish with ground beef, green chiles, and taco flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners with crispy taco chips on top.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the onion in a small amount of oil.
- Brown the ground chuck.
- Add the taco sauce, green chiles, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup to the meat.
- Let the cheese melt over the mixture.
- Add the taco chips and mix well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use vegetarian ground meat for a meatless version. If you don’t have taco sauce, salsa can work as a substitute. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in your favorite beans or corn for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexicali Mary hot, topped with additional grated cheese and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. Don't forget to explore other Mexican recipes for more inspiration!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Mary contains roughly 981 calories, with 17g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2246mg per serving (98% 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 mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights!
What type of cheese can I use?
While grated hoop cheese is traditional, you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well. Experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can enhance the dish by adding bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the meat for a more flavorful and colorful 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).