Texas Straw Hat
A flavorful, cheesy taco casserole with seasoned ground beef, crispy corn chips, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce, perfect for a quick, satisfying Tex-Mex meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain off excess fat.
- Add water and taco seasoning to the beef mixture and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the mixture becomes dry, add more water as needed.
- To serve, place 1/3 cup of the taco meat and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over 3/4 cup of crushed corn chips.
- Top with diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or using a hot taco seasoning. If you don't have corn chips, crushed tortilla chips or even tortilla wraps can serve as a substitute. Enhance the flavor by incorporating black beans or corn. This dish is a great way to use leftover taco meat from other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Straw Hat with a side of refried beans or guacamole for a complete meal. You could also pair it with a fresh salsa or a simple side salad to balance the rich flavors. This dish is excellent for casual gatherings or game days, and it pairs beautifully with Tostada Texas Style for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover them to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Straw Hat contains roughly 1174 calories, with 28g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 Texas Straw Hat ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. The crushed corn chips should be added just before serving to keep them crispy.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can provide a nice flavor and melt well. For a non-dairy option, try using a plant-based cheese that melts.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Texas Straw Hat, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added texture and 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).