Stack-Up
A hearty layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, fresh vegetables, cheese, and crispy chips, perfect for family gatherings and casual dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, then add beans, chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer on low heat.
- While the meat mixture simmers, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Prepare serving containers with separate portions of the cooked rice, meat mixture, chopped onion, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, and picante sauce.
- Place broken tortilla chips on a plate.
- Layer the ingredients: first the meat mixture, then rice, chopped onion, lettuce, tomato, and finish with shredded cheese and picante sauce on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the beef with chili powder or cumin. You can substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter option or use black beans instead of Ranch Style beans for a different twist. If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to incorporate leftover vegetables or grains you may have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a fun build-your-own meal. Pair it with homemade guacamole or sour cream for added richness. It also goes well with tortilla soup or Mexican Trash Basket Soup for a complete meal. Serve alongside a refreshing salad to balance the hearty flavors of the Stack-Up.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through, or heat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the mixture moist. You can also freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stack-Up contains roughly 430 calories, with 25g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2118mg per serving (92% 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
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also use spicy salsa instead of picante sauce for an extra kick. For those who enjoy smoky flavors, chipotle in adobo sauce is a great addition.
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).