South Of The Border Special
A hearty, flavorful layered casserole with seasoned ground beef, beans, chips, and fresh toppings, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners craving bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 (1 lb.) sack plain or nacho chips, crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 8 oz. sour cream or yogurt ⓘ
- 1 medium chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a skillet.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in 2 cups of water, 8 oz. tomato sauce, 2 Tbsp. chili powder, and 1/4 tsp. dried oregano.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Top with half of the kidney beans and half of the crushed chips.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining mixture, beans, and chips.
- Cover the pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped olives, shredded Cheddar, and sour cream or yogurt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika into the beef mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. You can also swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Serve with a side of sour cream or a fresh salsa to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a casual gathering and pairs beautifully with Tommy'S Taco Soup or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Southwestern Rice or Easy Cheese Enchiladas on the side. Offer a variety of toppings like avocado or jalapeños to let guests customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover South Of The Border Special can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Special contains roughly 610 calories, with 35g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the meat you choose to ensure it's fully cooked.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and bean mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and assemble the layers just before baking. This can save time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili powder adds some heat, but you can reduce its amount or add additional toppings like sour cream or guacamole to balance it out. If you love spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños!
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).