Texas Melt
A hearty Tex-Mex casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, flavorful enchilada sauce, and melted cheeses layered between tortillas. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering bold flavors and a satisfying, cheesy topping that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add enchilada sauce, stewed tomatoes, diced onions, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil and simmer.
- Spread sour cream on each tortilla and fold in half.
- Spread enough sauce to cover the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Place the folded tortillas on top of the sauce in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar or mozzarella can work well as substitutes. For a healthier version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. This recipe can also be made with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Texas Melt hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. Consider serving with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra dipping options. This dish is a great option for casual gatherings or game day, along with other hearty Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will help retain the cheese's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Melt contains roughly 566 calories, with 23g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1578mg per serving (69% 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 Texas Melt ahead of time. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with the Texas Melt?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. For a festive touch, you could also offer chips and homemade salsa as an appetizer before the main dish.
Can I freeze the Texas Melt?
Yes, you can freeze the Texas Melt before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
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).