Mexican Round Up
Mexican Round Up is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, beans, and Spanish rice, all layered over crunchy Fritos and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining friends, this dish combines bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, chili powder, water, beans, and Spanish rice to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place Fritos on a pizza pan to form a base.
- Pour the meat mixture over the Fritos on the pan.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices such as cumin and garlic powder along with the chili powder. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils. For extra crunch, you can add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Round Up pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. Serve with sour cream on the side for added creaminess and top with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. You can also enjoy it alongside other Mexican recipes like Tostato Casserole or Cheesy Beef Burros(Lo-Cal) for a festive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until warm. To maintain the crunchiness, consider adding fresh Fritos on top just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Round Up contains roughly 673 calories, with 28g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1247mg 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before assembling with the Fritos and cheese. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and can make for a quick weeknight dinner.
What can I use instead of Fritos?
If you want to substitute the Fritos, consider using tortilla chips or even baked pita chips for a healthier option. You could also layer the meat mixture over rice or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative that still provides a hearty base.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the meat mixture for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving it over fresh Fritos.
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).