Mexican Layered Casserole
A flavorful Mexican layered casserole featuring crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and creamy toppings, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large greased casserole dish, layer Doritos, browned hamburger meat, diced onion, chili beans, grated cheese, cream of chicken soup, chopped tomatoes and green chilies, and sour cream.
- Sprinkle additional Doritos over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using seasoned taco meat instead of plain hamburger. You can also swap out the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or a homemade cheese sauce for a different taste. If you're looking for a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Adding chopped bell peppers or corn can enhance the nutrition and texture. This casserole is a fun twist on traditional Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican Layered Casserole with a side of southwestern corn salad for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Cris Wolfe'S Spanish Rice for a heartier meal. For garnishes, consider topping with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole to enhance the flavors. Offer tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Layered Casserole contains roughly 565 calories, with 19g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1241mg per serving (54% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the hamburger meat?
You can easily substitute the hamburger meat with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option. This will maintain the protein content while adding different flavors.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just assemble it without baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, extend the baking time and cover with foil 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).