Mexican Stack-Up For Twenty
A hearty layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for sharing and full of bold Mexican flavors that appeal to family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. ground beef
- 3 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 small cans tomato puree
- 3 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 3 large cans Ranch Style beans ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) bags small Fritos ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) box instant rice ⓘ
- 2 lb. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 large onions, grated ⓘ
- 1 large head lettuce ⓘ
- 5 chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- chopped ripe or green olives ⓘ
- 7 oz. grated coconut ⓘ
- 7 oz. grated coconut ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pie dough for a two-crust pie using your favorite recipe or pre-made crust.
- Cut each pie crust into two pieces to create smaller rounds.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, chili powder, and garlic salt.
- Simmer the meat sauce for about 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Warm the Ranch Style beans according to can instructions.
- Cook instant rice as directed on the package.
- Layer the ingredients starting with a crust piece, then meat sauce, beans, cheese, and vegetables.
- Repeat layers as desired, finishing with cheese and toppings.
- Top with Fritos, grated coconut, and chopped fresh vegetables.
- Serve immediately or bake until heated through and cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or a plant-based substitute instead of ground beef. You can also swap out the instant rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce. Adjust the cheese amount according to your preference for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican Stack-Up is perfect for a crowd and pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or fresh guacamole. Serve with tortilla chips for an extra crunch and a refreshing salsa on the side. Consider offering a variety of toppings, such as sour cream and jalapeños, for guests to customize their servings. It’s a great centerpiece for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can bake in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly, which helps maintain the texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Stack-Up For Twenty contains roughly 483 calories, with 10g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sauce and cook the rice ahead of time. Assemble the layers and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of Ranch Style beans?
If you can't find Ranch Style beans, black beans or pinto beans are excellent substitutes. You can also use refried beans for a creamier texture. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, since different beans can vary in flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth if your recipe calls for it. This will still provide a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy.
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).