Mexican Dish
A flavorful Mexican casserole combining seasoned ground beef, sausage, and onions topped with refried beans, green chilies, cheddar cheese, and taco sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering bold flavors and easy preparation that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef, sausage, and onion; place in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the refried beans and chopped green chilies over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Pour taco sauce evenly over the cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Serve with taco chips and sour cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute the sausage with turkey sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a spicier dish, mix in some diced jalapeños or use hot taco sauce. To save time, you can use pre-cooked ground meat or even a store-bought taco seasoning for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican dish pairs beautifully with taco chips and sour cream for a satisfying meal. For added freshness, serve with a side salad or some guacamole. Consider offering a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or avocado to let guests customize their servings. It's also great alongside a refreshing drink like horchata.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until hot, making sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Dish contains roughly 722 calories, with 42g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1097mg per serving (48% 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 this dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and cook as directed. This can enhance the flavors as they meld overnight.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese are excellent alternatives that melt well. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cheese that melts. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the brand's flavor profile.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).