Nine High
A flavorful layered taco casserole with seasoned beef, refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add taco seasoning to the beef and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in the can of refried beans until combined and heated through.
- Spread the beef and bean mixture in a single layer in an oblong large baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the grated Cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Spread the carton of sour cream evenly over the cheese layer.
- Slice drained black olives and distribute over the sour cream.
- Add chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, and guacamole on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over all toppings.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese melts, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with tortillas and picante sauce on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. For a quick prep, you could use canned black beans instead of refried beans. This dish is similar to Speedy Enchiladas, so feel free to customize ingredients based on your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with tortillas and is great served alongside a fresh green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of picante sauce for extra flavor. For a fun twist, serve it with chips for dipping, or alongside a refreshing guacamole to enhance the Mexican recipes theme.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nine High contains roughly 496 calories, with 25g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (53% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 Nine High ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a day. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to Cheddar cheese, try using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. For a dairy-free option, shredded vegan cheese works well too, allowing you to enjoy the dish while accommodating dietary preferences.
What toppings work well with Nine High?
Popular toppings include salsa, diced avocados, and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. You can also add jalapeños for heat or chopped bell peppers for added crunch. Customize the toppings based on your family’s preferences for a unique twist each time!
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).