New Mexico Hamburger Chili Bake
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy chilies, and melted cheese layered with corn tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a comforting blend of spice and richness with a crispy topping, delivering satisfying bites in every serving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef into a heated skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet.
- Cook over medium heat until the meat loses its red color.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and chopped chilies. Mix until smooth.
- Add the soup mixture to the cooked beef and onion. Mix well.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan. Cover the bottom with half of the quartered corn tortillas.
- Spoon half of the hamburger mixture over the tortillas.
- Add another layer of remaining tortillas over the beef mixture.
- Top with grated Longhorn cheese.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the beef while cooking. If you don’t have Longhorn cheese, you can substitute with Monterey Jack or Cheddar. For a bit of heat, try using spicy diced tomatoes in place of the chopped chilies. This dish can be easily modified for a vegetarian version by using black beans or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
This New Mexico Hamburger Chili Bake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of Cumin Avocado Rice or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with tortilla chips and salsa or a dollop of sour cream on top. It’s perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Mexico Hamburger Chili Bake contains roughly 746 calories, with 17g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% 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 hamburger mixture and layer the dish in the pan a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed, adjusting the baking time as necessary.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup made from scratch or opt for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. For a lighter alternative, consider using a combination of sour cream and chicken broth to achieve a creamy consistency.
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).