Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 15 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Sep. 22, 2023
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup picante sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 can (10-1/2 ounces) reduced-fat reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
  • 1 package (9-3/4 ounces) nacho-flavored tortilla chips or plain tortilla chips, crushed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional: Cubed avocado and sour cream

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in beans, picante sauce and chili powder.
  2. In a bowl, combine soup and tomatoes. In a lightly greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish, layer half the chips, beef mixture, soup mixture and cheeses. Repeat layers.
  3. Microwave on medium high, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted, about 12 minutes. If desired, top with cubed avocado and sour cream.

Test Kitchen tips
  • Nacho-flavored tortilla chips add fabulous flavor to this casserole without a lot of effort.
  • Increase the heat by using medium picante sauce and diced jalapenos instead of green chiles.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1-1/4 cups: 477 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.