King Ranch Beef Casserole is a rich, Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines layers of flavorful ground beef, melting cheese, and creamy sauces encased within tender corn tortillas. Perfect for family get-togethers, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its hearty and comforting flavors. The blend of juicy beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a velvety sauce touched with a bit of spice from Rotel tomatoes creates a soul-warming dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup diced green bell pepper
Sprinkle of salt
For the Sauce:
1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) can mild Rotel tomatoes, well-drained
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
For the Assembly:
2 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
10 corn tortillas
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
Dice the Vegetables:
Dice 1 medium onion and 1 cup of green bell pepper (or use mixed colors for added flavor and appearance).
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 2 lbs of lean ground beef and the diced onions until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Bell Pepper:
Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Drain the Grease:
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure the casserole isn’t too oily.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Combine Sauce Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of drained Rotel tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
Heat the Sauce:
Heat the sauce over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Tear and Dip Tortillas:
Tear 10 corn tortillas into small pieces. Dip each piece lightly into the sauce mixture, ensuring they’re partially coated.
Layer the Casserole:
In a large casserole dish, create a layer of the dipped tortilla pieces. Top with half of the beef mixture, then pour half of the remaining sauce over the beef. Sprinkle 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese on top.
Set More Layers:
Repeat the layering process with the remaining dipped tortillas, beef mixture, and sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Bake:
Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice into portions.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the ground beef with a vegetable-based meat alternative or use black beans mixed with corn for a vegetarian version. Replace the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups with vegetarian cream soups.
Different Proteins:
Use ground turkey, chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter dish. Add cooked chorizo for a spicier, richer taste.
Spicy Twist:
Use spicy Rotel tomatoes or add jalapeño peppers to the beef mixture for extra heat. Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Cheese Variations:
Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Top with crumbled queso fresco after baking for added flavor.
Healthier Option:
Use reduced-fat or fat-free cream soups and cheese. Opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas instead of regular corn tortillas.
Conclusion
King Ranch Beef Casserole is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the best of Tex-Mex flavors in a comforting casserole format. With layers of tender beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potluck events. Its versatility allows for easy modifications to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy preparing and sharing this delicious casserole with your loved ones!
