Rio Grande Supper
A flavorful and hearty Tex-Mex casserole featuring ground beef, corn, and spicy Cheez Whiz, perfect for casual family dinners and gatherings with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and green peppers to the beef, cook until tender.
- Stir in canned corn, Cheez Whiz, barbecue sauce, and chili powder.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve topped with corn chips, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you want a creamier texture, you can substitute the Cheez Whiz with a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. This dish can also be made with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you enjoy layered flavors, try adding some taco seasoning along with the chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a game day gathering. Serve it with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. For extra crunch, top with corn chips and fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with Ms. Green'S Tex-Mex Rice for a complete meal. Don’t forget to have some sour cream on the side for a cool contrast!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Rio Grande Supper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help it along.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rio Grande Supper contains roughly 573 calories, with 24g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1396mg per serving (61% 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 dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator before simmering. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed, and it will taste just as delicious.
What can I use instead of Cheez Whiz?
If you're not a fan of Cheez Whiz, you can replace it with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. This will give you a rich, creamy texture while allowing you to control the flavor. You can also use a store-bought cheese sauce if you prefer.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of Rio Grande Supper, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the flavors. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and you’ll have a hearty vegetarian meal.
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).