Description
This King Ranch Beef Casserole is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, tortillas, and a medley of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. The creamy combination of mushroom soup, salsa verde, and enchilada sauce creates a rich sauce that brings the casserole together, topped with tangy Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole offers comforting flavors with a smoky, spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef, cooked and crumbled (and drained)
Sauce and Beans
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 16-ounce jar salsa verde (tomatillo sauce)
- 1 15-ounce can mild enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 8 ounces sour cream
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable Add-ins
- 2 6-ounce cans fire-roasted diced green chiles
Other Ingredients
- 20 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
- 4 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 pound)
- 1 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 12 ounces), divided
- 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled (about 8 ounces), for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a deep 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the avocado oil. Add the finely diced white onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the onions become tender and translucent.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot with the onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned, crumbling it with a spatula into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Add Liquid Ingredients and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, black beans, condensed cream of mushroom soup, salsa verde, enchilada sauce, and sour cream into the pot. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, garlic salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything until well combined and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Fold in the fire-roasted diced green chiles, tortilla strips, 4 cups of sharp Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese begins to melt and the tortillas soak up the flavors.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
- Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese and a small handful of finely chopped fresh cilantro across the surface as a bright, tangy garnish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes to set, which helps the layers firm up for easier slicing and serving.
- Optional Toppings: For extra flavor and texture, serve with jalapeños, diced red onions, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, additional sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and a good hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a milder version, use mild salsa and enchilada sauce, and omit jalapeños in optional toppings.
- To reduce fat content, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and low-fat sour cream.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Fire-roasted diced green chiles add a smoky depth, but you can substitute with regular diced green chiles if preferred.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: King Ranch Casserole, Tex-Mex Casserole, Beef Casserole, Mexican Casserole, Ground Beef Recipe, Cheesy Casserole