Santa Fe Casserole Bake
A hearty Tex-Mex casserole with seasoned ground beef, cheesy layers, and a crispy chip topping, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings. Rich, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef and stir until crumbly; drain excess fat.
- Add taco spices and seasonings; blend well into the meat.
- In a small bowl, combine chicken broth and flour.
- Pour the broth mixture into the skillet with the beef; bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and diced green chiles; blend well.
- In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch lightly greased glass baking dish, place half of the chips.
- Top with half of the beef mixture, half of the sauce, half of the cheese, and half of the sliced green onions.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with green onions on top.
- Bake uncovered in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños to the beef mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and corn tortillas instead of chips. This casserole can also benefit from additional veggies like bell peppers or corn, which can enhance texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Santa Fe Casserole Bake with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa for an extra layer of flavor. A simple green salad pairs well, offering a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like Quick Spanish Rice And Meat or Chicken Con Queso.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Casserole Bake contains roughly 713 calories, with 24g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (241% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 789mg per serving (34% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt works well and adds a similar tanginess. You can also use cream cheese for a richer flavor, just be sure to thin it out with a little chicken broth to maintain the right consistency.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. You may need to adjust the baking time if it’s still chilly.
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).