Mexican Stack Dish

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A flavorful Mexican-inspired layered dish with seasoned beef, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and sauces, perfect for a casual, crowd-pleasing meal with bold flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 can chili with beans
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • Thousand Island dressing to taste
  • 1 can El Paso taco sauce or hot sauce
  • Grated cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a little water in a frypan.
  2. Simmer the beef for 15 minutes.
  3. Drain the beef.
  4. Put the beef back onto the stove and let it simmer again.
  5. Pour chili with beans into the dish and heat it up.
  6. Place Doritos in the dish as the base layer.
  7. Spoon the chili meat mixture on top of the Doritos.
  8. Layer shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes over the chili.
  9. Sprinkle grated cheese over the vegetables.
  10. Pour Thousand Island dressing and hot sauce on top to taste.
  11. Cover with additional Dorito chips before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding spices such as cumin or garlic powder to the ground beef while browning. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of Thousand Island dressing for a healthier twist. For a different texture, swap Doritos with tortilla chips or even crushed corn chips.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mexican Stack Dish with a side of refried beans or Mexican rice for a complete meal. A refreshing salad, like a Mexican Salad Bowl, can complement the flavors nicely. For an extra kick, serve with additional hot sauce or a side of guacamole. This dish is great for gatherings and pairs beautifully with a cold beverage.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be assembled and stored separately to keep the Doritos crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Stack Dish contains roughly 361 calories, with 23g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. At about 361 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.

361 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23g 46% DV
Total Fat 22.8g 29% DV
Carbs 16.6g 6% DV
Fiber 5g 18% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 410.4mg 18% DV
Potassium 957.9mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 81.7mg 27% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 540.1mcg 60% DV
Vitamin C 36.4mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 98.7mg 8% DV
Iron 5.5mg 30% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

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

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, incorporate jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce into the chili mixture. You can also use spicy taco seasoning when browning the beef. For an extra kick, top the dish with sliced fresh chilies or serve it with a side of spicy salsa.

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).

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