Southwestern Chili Casserole
A hearty Southwestern chili casserole layered with rice, ground beef, corn, and flavorful taco-seasoned sauce, topped with crunchy corn chips—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, blend 1 cup beef broth, tomato paste, and taco seasoning mix; set aside.
- In a saucepan, over high heat, combine remaining broth and enough water to equal 1 3/4 cups liquid; bring to a boil.
- Add rice and cook according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and chopped onion until done; pour off excess fat.
- In a 2-quart casserole, layer 1/3 of the cooked rice, drained corn, meat mixture, and reserved sauce; repeat layers twice, combining the last portion of meat and sauce for the final layer.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes or until hot.
- Garnish with corn chips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or jalapeños when browning the beef and onion. If you're short on time, you can substitute instant rice for uncooked rice, adjusting the liquid accordingly. For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth. This dish is reminiscent of other Mexican recipes like Taco Tartlets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwestern Chili Casserole with a side of fresh avocado salad or cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Tostada Pie as part of a Mexican-themed dinner. Garnish with additional corn chips, sour cream, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Chili Casserole contains roughly 903 calories, with 26g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2484mg per serving (108% 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 all the layers, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in the oven straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Southwestern Chili Casserole?
Absolutely! Before baking, cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
In addition to sides like cornbread or a fresh salad, consider serving with a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top. Pairing with other favorites like Meat-Filled Tacos can create a fun and filling meal experience.
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).