Tex-Mex Casserole

Tex-Mex Casserole Recipe - Beef, Onion, Garlic, Cream, Cheddar, Tomatoes

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tex-Mex Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of Mexican and Texan cuisine. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and can feed a crowd. With layers of ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

Tex-Mex Casserole has its roots in the fusion of Mexican and Texan cuisine that has been popular in the southwestern United States for decades. This dish combines traditional Mexican ingredients like beans, cheese, and chilies with Texan staples like ground beef and tortillas. The result is a flavorful and comforting casserole that has become a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 flour tortillas
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can ranch style beans
1 (12 oz (340 g)) can hot enchilada sauce
1 (10 oz (283 g)) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (16 oz (454 g)) can diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz (113 g)) can diced green chilies

How to prepare

1. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a large skillet; drain.
2. Line a 9x13x2 inch baking dish with 4 torn flour tortillas.
3. Place ground beef mixture over tortillas.
4. Layer with beans, enchilada sauce, and cream of chicken soup over ground beef.
5. Next, top with shredded cheese, 4 more torn flour tortillas, tomatoes, and green chilies.
6. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.
7. Uncover and top with a little extra cheese if desired; return to oven just long enough to melt the cheese.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Use black beans or pinto beans instead of ranch style beans.
Add corn, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the ground beef after browning to remove excess fat.

- Layer the ingredients evenly in the baking dish to ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.

- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite toppings, such as sliced jalapenos or avocado.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with black beans or tofu.

Serving Suggestions

Tex-Mex Casserole can be served with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or Mexican rice.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to ensure that it is cooked through.

- Layer the ingredients in the baking dish in the order specified to create a delicious and visually appealing casserole.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ranch style beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans.

- You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Tex-Mex Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Tex-Mex Casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or diced avocado for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tex-Mex Casserole pairs well with a cold beer, a margarita, or a glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Tex-Mex Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tex-Mex Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tex-Mex Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tex-Mex Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tex-Mex Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Casserole is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Tex-Mex Casserole contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Tex-Mex Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Tex-Mex Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With layers of ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Tex-Mex Casserole. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner with some friends from my neighborhood. I wanted to bring something delicious and unique, something that would impress everyone at the gathering.

As I pondered what to make, my mind drifted back to a trip I had taken to Texas years ago. I had fallen in love with the bold flavors and spicy ingredients of Tex-Mex cuisine, and I knew that I wanted to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. So, I set out on a mission to find the perfect recipe for a Tex-Mex Casserole.

I scoured cookbooks, asked friends for their recommendations, and even searched online for inspiration. But nothing seemed quite right. That is until I stumbled upon a small, dusty cookbook at a local thrift store. The cover was faded and worn, but the recipes inside were a treasure trove of Tex-Mex delights.

I flipped through the pages eagerly, my heart racing with excitement. And then, I found it - the recipe for Tex-Mex Casserole. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful - ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and plenty of cheese. The instructions were straightforward and easy to follow. I knew I had found a winner.

I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables, browned the meat, and mixed everything together in a large baking dish, the aromas of cumin, chili powder, and garlic filled the air. I knew this dish was going to be a hit.

After an hour in the oven, the casserole emerged hot and bubbling, the cheese melted and gooey on top. I couldn't resist taking a small taste, and my taste buds exploded with the flavors of the Southwest. It was exactly what I had been hoping for - spicy, comforting, and utterly delicious.

The night of the potluck arrived, and I proudly presented my Tex-Mex Casserole to my friends. They oohed and aahed over the dish, taking second and third helpings. The casserole was a resounding success, and I basked in the glow of their compliments.

From that day on, the Tex-Mex Casserole became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on lazy weekends. Each time I served it, the dish brought smiles to the faces of those who tasted it.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of beef, or I add some diced peppers for extra heat. But the heart of the dish remains the same - a hearty, flavorful casserole that never fails to impress.

I often think back to that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Tex-Mex Casserole. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a moment when I realized the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones and a table full of delicious dishes, I am grateful for the serendipitous chain of events that led me to that small, dusty cookbook all those years ago. It may have been a simple recipe, but it has brought me endless joy and satisfaction. And for that, I am forever thankful.