Mexican Casserole(Makes 8 Servings.)
A hearty Mexican casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, chili, cheese, and crunchy Fritos, perfect for satisfying family dinners with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put ground beef in a skillet and brown. Let simmer until done. Add chopped onion and salt. Mix chili with tomato soup and simmer, stirring occasionally. If mixture is too dry, add a small amount of water.
- Line a large casserole dish with half of the Fritos, then pour the beef mixture over the Fritos. Top with the remaining Fritos.
- Sprinkle grated cheese and dash of catsup on top. Bake in a 400°F oven until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils instead. You can also enhance the dish with spices like cumin or chili powder. Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for an extra layer of richness. This casserole complements well with Mexican recipes like Chili Con Queso.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color. It pairs perfectly with a side salad or Mexican-style rice. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside chips and Salsa or a refreshing drink like horchata or agua fresca. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Casserole(Makes 8 Servings.) contains roughly 178 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1677mg per serving (73% 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 ahead of time?
You can also freeze the assembled casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I use instead of Fritos?
Keep in mind that changing the base may affect the overall crunchiness of the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
This way, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty dish while keeping it meat-free.
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).