Santa Fe Casserole
A flavorful layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, cheesy topping, and crunchy chips, perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings with a bold Tex-Mex flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning mix to the beef, blending well.
- In a separate bowl, combine water, chicken bouillon, and flour to create a thickened mixture.
- Add the bouillon mixture to the cooked beef and bring to a boil to slightly thicken the liquid.
- Stir in sour cream and diced green chilies; mix thoroughly.
- In a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish, place half of the tortilla chips as the first layer.
- Top with half of the beef mixture, half of the grated cheese, and half of the sliced green onions.
- Repeat the layering with remaining ingredients, ending with green onions on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. If you prefer more heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Santa Fe Casserole with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Taco Salad for a complete meal. You can also offer extra toppings like sliced olives or diced tomatoes for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Casserole contains roughly 789 calories, with 27g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 up to the baking stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of tortilla chips?
If you're looking for an alternative to tortilla chips, consider using crushed cornflakes or even homemade tortilla strips for added crunch. You could also try using baked pita chips, which offer a different texture while still complementing the flavors of the casserole.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as directed. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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).