Monterey Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, green chilies, and crispy tortilla chips, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 2 (7 oz.) pkg. tortillas, lightly crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 pt. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- Tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until tender.
- Add lean ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, taco seasoning mix, and diced green chilies, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the crushed tortillas over the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese and dollop with sour cream.
- Top with the remaining crushed tortillas.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and bake until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the lean ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian option like lentils. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste. If you want a spicy kick, try adding jalapeños or using a spicy taco seasoning mix. To save time, prepare the beef mixture ahead and assemble the casserole before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some Mexican rice for a heartier option. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for extra crunch. For a refreshing contrast, offer some guacamole or salsa on the side. Explore more Mexican recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monterey Casserole contains roughly 1074 calories, with 59g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (117% of the Daily Value), calcium (99% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 Monterey Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just assemble the layers and cover the dish. When you're ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze Monterey Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a similar tang and creaminess. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and a splash of lemon juice can also work well. This will maintain the richness of the dish while providing a different flavor profile.
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).