One Dish Mexican Dinner

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A hearty Mexican-inspired casserole layered with seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, perfect for a comforting family dinner with bold, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 1/2 lb. hamburger
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 can Ranch-style beans
  • 1 lb. Velveeta cheese
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Place 6 tortillas in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch cake pan.
  2. Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet.
  3. Add chili powder to the cooked meat.
  4. Drain excess fat from the meat.
  5. Spread the seasoned meat over the tortillas in the pan.
  6. Spread ranch-style beans over the meat.
  7. Slice Velveeta cheese thinly and layer over the beans.
  8. Cover with the remaining 6 tortillas.
  9. Pour cream of chicken soup and Ro-Tel tomatoes over the top.
  10. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic with the hamburger. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, use black beans and crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat. This dish can also be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

This One Dish Mexican Dinner pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or Mexican-style corn on the cob. For a festive touch, serve with guacamole and tortilla chips on the side. Consider complementing the meal with a refreshing margarita or a classic horchata. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it’s heated evenly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of One Dish Mexican Dinner contains roughly 548 calories, with 22g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% 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 1421mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

548 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.2g 44% DV
Total Fat 18.8g 24% DV
Carbs 74.9g 27% DV
Fiber 10.7g 38% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1420.6mg 62% DV
Potassium 722.8mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 34.6mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 54.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Calcium 223.2mg 17% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
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

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers and assemble the dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?

If you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute with a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, try using a Mexican cheese blend for added flavor.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Adjust the baking time as needed, ensuring it's heated through.

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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