Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that your entire family will love? Look no further than this 1 Oz Mexican Casserole made with Ground Beef, Beans, Tomato Sauce, Cheese, Taco Seasonings and Corn Chips! Not only is it delicious, but it also packs in only 61 calories per serving.
This casserole is also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a well-rounded meal for any occasion. Take advantage of its versatility by making it for a family dinner or potluck, meal prepping it for the week, or serving it as a kid-friendly dish. Plus, it's budget-friendly and can be adapted for those with gluten-free or vegetarian dietary restrictions.
In this article, we'll walk you through how to make this flavorful dish, as well as provide some tips for customizing it to your tastes and making a healthier version of the traditional casserole. Let's get cooking!
Quick and Easy Recipe
This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick and easy meal solution. Simply brown the ground beef, mix in the beans, taco seasonings, and tomato sauce, layer with corn chips and cheese, and bake in the oven. It's that simple! If you're really pressed for time, you can even prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze until ready to bake. This way, it's ready whenever you need it, making it one of the best go-to recipes in your arsenal.
Great for Family Dinners
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners. It's hearty and filling, ensuring that everyone will leave the table satisfied. Plus, it's easy to customize to your family's tastes by using different types of beans or adding in extra vegetables. You can also use leftovers from this dish in other meals, such as using it as a filling for tacos or burritos. This will help to prevent food waste and make meal planning a breeze.
Perfect for Potlucks and Parties
This casserole is also a hit at potlucks and parties. It's easy to transport and can be made ahead of time, leaving you with more time to socialize and enjoy the festivities. If you're looking to make it a bit spicier, you can add in some jalapenos or hot sauce. Or, if you prefer a milder version, simply use less seasoning. It's easy to customize to your taste preferences, making it a crowd favorite every time.
Ideal for Meal Prep
Meal prepping can be a great way to save time and money during the week, and this casserole is perfect for just that. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. To make it even healthier, you can swap out the corn chips for baked tortilla chips and reduce the amount of cheese. This will help to lower the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Kid-Friendly Dish
Kids can be picky eaters, but this casserole is a hit every time. It's packed with flavor and texture, making it a fun meal for kids to eat. You can also get them involved in the cooking process by having them help layer on the corn chips and cheese. This will help to promote a healthy relationship with food and cooking at an early age.
Budget-Friendly Meal
Trying to eat healthy on a tight budget can be a challenge, but this casserole is a great solution. It uses affordable ingredients that can be bought in bulk, such as ground beef and beans. You can also save money by using store-brand ingredients and buying in-season produce. This casserole is a tasty and budget-friendly way to feed your family without breaking the bank.
Gluten-Free Option Available
If you or someone in your family has a gluten intolerance, this casserole can still be enjoyed. Simply swap out the regular corn chips for gluten-free ones, and ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious flavors of this casserole without any adverse effects on their health.
Suitable for Vegetarians
For those following a vegetarian diet, this casserole can easily be adapted. Simply omit the ground beef and use more beans or even tofu as a protein source. This dish is still just as hearty and flavorful without the meat, and can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Make it Spicier or Milder
If you love spicy food, you can easily make this casserole spicier by adding in more seasoning or adding in jalapenos or hot sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, simply use less seasoning or omit the jalapenos. This dish is easy to customize to your preferred level of spiciness, making it a versatile option for all taste preferences.
Healthier Twist on Traditional Casserole
Traditional casseroles can be high in calories and fat, but this version is a healthier take on the classic dish. By using lean ground beef, fiber-rich beans, and reducing the amount of cheese and corn chips, you can still enjoy all the flavors of a classic casserole without the guilt. This dish is also easy to customize to your dietary needs and preferences, such as using gluten-free ingredients or making it vegetarian.
A casserole is comfort food at its finest. It's a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and always hits the spot.
5 FAQs About 1 Oz Mexican Casserole Made with Ground Beef, Beans, Tomato Sauce, Cheese, Taco Seasonings, and Corn Chips
1. What is the serving size for the 61 calorie count?
The calorie count provided is for 1 ounce of the Mexican casserole. The serving size may vary depending on the specific recipe you follow.
2. Is this casserole spicy?
It can be, depending on the amount of taco seasoning used. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your desired level of spiciness.
3. Can I substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version of the casserole.
4. Are there any vegetarian options for this casserole?
Yes, the ground beef can be omitted and replaced with extra beans or tofu for a vegetarian version of the casserole.
5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is heated through.