Are you tired of the same old boring dinner options that leave your guests yawning? Prepare to revolutionize your meal game with this mouthwatering Chili Cheese Casserole that's guaranteed to be the star of any gathering! Packed with hearty ground beef, zesty chili beans, and layers of gooey melted cheddar cheese, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone fighting for the last bite. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, potluck, or game-day feast, this casserole is your secret weapon to instant meal-time hero status!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can chili beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package corn tortillas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the beef until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, mixing well to coat the beef and onions with the spice.
- Pour in the chili beans and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Cut the corn tortillas into quarters or strips to create a layering base for the casserole.
- Begin layering the casserole by spreading a thin layer of the beef and bean mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a layer of tortilla pieces, covering the entire surface of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layering process: meat mixture, tortillas, and cheese, creating 2-3 layers total.
- Ensure the top layer is covered with a generous amount of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content to keep the meat juicy.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef - this prevents a greasy casserole.
- Layer your ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Use fresh, shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer taste.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra pizzazz.
- This casserole freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for quick future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
