Mexican Casserole - Weight Watchers
A flavorful Mexican casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese layered with tortillas, perfect for a satisfying family meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground chuck and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain, rinse, and pat dry the meat mixture with paper towels.
- Stir in drained pinto beans, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and water.
- Heat all together until well combined.
- Spray the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer half of the tortillas on the bottom of the dish.
- Top with half of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the meat.
- Repeat the layers: tortillas, meat mixture, cheese.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans work great as well. Using whole wheat tortillas can add more fiber to the dish. This Mexican casserole can also be made ahead and frozen for a quick meal later.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious Mexican casserole pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad topped with avocado and lime dressing. For added flavor, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. You might also enjoy it alongside Peggy'S Mexican Meat Loaf for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, covered, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Casserole - Weight Watchers contains roughly 480 calories, with 16g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1666mg per serving (72% 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 casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground chuck with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn, or use a meat substitute. You can also add extra beans for protein and texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the layers and cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you freeze it, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spices to your taste for a personalized flavor that suits your palate.
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).