Mexican Buildup
A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground meat, tomatoes, and spices, topped with fresh vegetables and cheese, perfect for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 cans water (6 oz each) ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 1 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp powdered oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) package corn chips ⓘ
- 1 cup diced, peeled avocado ⓘ
- 1 cup diced, fresh tomato ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble beef into a heated skillet.
- Cook until the meat loses its color, adding chopped onion during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, sugar, and minced garlic to the skillet. Simmer to blend flavors.
- Stir in cooked rice and heat through.
- Serve topped with diced avocado, chopped fresh tomato, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, and chopped ripe olives.
- Serve with corn chips on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, try adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa for a healthier twist. Be sure to taste as you go, adjusting spices according to your preference for heat and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a casual gathering or game day. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dips like Microwave Bean Dip for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of tortilla chips or warm tortillas for a delicious twist. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain moisture, and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Buildup contains roughly 1564 calories, with 42g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value). 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving and add the toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
What can I substitute for ground meat?
If you're looking for a meat alternative, consider using black beans, lentils, or a store-bought plant-based ground meat. These options will maintain the dish's texture while providing a hearty meal.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add some diced jalapeños to the mixture. If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers or smoked paprika for an extra layer of heat.
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).