Mexican Garbage
A hearty Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, cheesy beans, and crispy chips, topped with sour cream—perfect for casual gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet.
- Drain the grease from the cooked hamburger.
- Add taco mix to the hamburger and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
- In a separate pan, heat refried beans with 1/4 can of water, stirring often.
- Place chips on a plate.
- Spoon the heated beans over the chips, then add the cooked hamburger on top.
- Sprinkle with taco cheese.
- Top with sour cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or fresh cilantro when preparing the hamburger. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. You can also use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian option, replace the hamburger with sautéed vegetables or use a plant-based meat alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for casual gatherings or game day. Serve it with a side of fresh guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. For a complete meal, pair it with a refreshing salad or Kathy'S Spanish Rice. Feel free to set up a toppings bar with additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, olives, or green onions for guests to customize their plates.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Garbage contains roughly 1165 calories, with 45g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (90% of the Daily Value), calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2600mg per serving (113% 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 hamburger and beans ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and then assemble the dish just before serving. This will help the nacho chips stay crunchy. You can also make a larger batch and freeze portions for later use.
What can I use instead of nacho chips?
If you don't have nacho chips, you can use tortilla chips or even crispy pita chips as a base. For a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips or homemade baked sweet potato chips to complement the flavors.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add some diced serrano peppers along with the taco mix or top with sliced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning mix or serve with a hot salsa for extra kick.
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).