Sonora Casserole
A hearty layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tender tortillas, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Add chopped green chilies, evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup to the skillet and mix well.
- Tear the corn or flour tortillas into small pieces.
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, layer a portion of the meat mixture, then a layer of torn tortillas, followed by a layer of American cheese slices.
- Repeat the layers once more, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Optional: refrigerate or freeze the assembled casserole at this point for later use.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
- If frozen, thaw in refrigerator before baking or increase baking time if starting from frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef, and use low-fat cheese. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of American. To save time, you can use pre-cooked beef or shredded rotisserie chicken. This casserole can also be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding beans or extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sonora Casserole with a fresh side salad or some guacamole for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Southwestern Chicken Salad Wraps for a delightful lunch spread. You can also add sour cream or salsa on top before serving for added flavor. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Sonora Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or oven until heated through. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sonora Casserole contains roughly 788 calories, with 30g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% 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 use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can definitely use flour tortillas if preferred. They will add a different texture but still work well in this casserole. Just make sure to tear them into smaller pieces so they layer nicely with the beef and cheese.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To spice things up, you can add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or use spicy cream of mushroom and chicken soups. Additionally, consider topping the casserole with pepper jack cheese or adding a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of Sonora Casserole, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with black beans or lentils. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
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).