South Of The Border Meal
A hearty, cheesy Mexican-inspired casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, green chilies, and flavorful sauces, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Pour mushroom soup, enchilada sauce, and green chilies over the meat; mix well.
- In a baking dish, break half of the taco shells and layer them on the bottom.
- Add half of the meat mixture and sprinkle with half of the grated Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with remaining taco shells and meat mixture, ending with a layer of grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the hamburger with taco seasoning or cumin while browning. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey. For a lighter version, substitute with grilled chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Don't forget to save some cheese for garnishing right before serving!
Serving Suggestions
This South Of The Border Meal pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside Jackie'S Mexi Dip(Quick And Easy - Great For Parties) for a fun appetizer. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or sour cream for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Meal contains roughly 1010 calories, with 24g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and layer the taco shells in advance. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze this meal?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of taco shells?
You can substitute taco shells with soft tortillas for a different texture. Alternatively, try using lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or even corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican flavor.
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).