Green Chile Casserole
Ingredients
1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
1 pound grated cheese I used a mix of monterey jack and cheddar
1 cup milk
2 4-oz cans diced green chiles
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 10-oz package corn tortillas, each tortilla cut into eighths
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Step 2:
In a saucepan, combine the soup, milk, and the 3/4 of the cheese, reserving the remaining 1/4 for topping the casserole.
Once the cheese is melted, stir in the green chiles.
Step 3:
In a skillet, brown the beef with the onions.
Add in the oregano, garlic powder and salt.
Step 4:
In a well greased 9×13 casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla strips.
Spread 1/2 of the beef mixture on top, followed by 1/2 of the cheese mixture.
Repeat layers.
Sprinkle reserved cheese on top.
Step 5:
Bake in preheated oven until heated through and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.
Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving if you want the slices to hold together.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 630kcal (32%), Carbohydrates: 59g (20%), Protein: 37g (74%), Fat: 29g (45%), Saturated Fat: 14g (88%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 95mg (32%), Sodium: 827mg (36%), Fiber: 7g (29%), Sugar: 4g (4%)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a lighter option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold when you put it in the oven.
Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well.
Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.
It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are traditionally used in this recipe, you can certainly use flour tortillas if you prefer.
Just keep in mind that flour tortillas may result in a slightly different texture and flavor compared to corn tortillas.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this casserole?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder casserole, you can use mild green chiles or reduce the amount of green chiles used.
Conversely, if you like it spicy, you can use hot green chiles or even add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Adjust the spiciness to suit your taste preferences.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While the recipe calls for a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend to customize the flavor to your liking.
Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup, or can I use a different type of soup?
While cream of chicken soup adds richness and flavor to the casserole, you can certainly use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup as alternatives.
Each will impart its own unique taste to the dish.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef entirely or substitute it with plant-based ground meat alternatives or additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of the casserole.
Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh green chiles instead of canned ones.
Simply roast, peel, and dice fresh green chiles before adding them to the casserole.
Adjust the quantity based on your preference for spiciness.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake it.
Just remember to allow a little extra baking time if the casserole has been chilled.
Can I add additional vegetables to this casserole?
Of course! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like diced tomatoes, corn kernels, or black beans between the layers for added texture and flavor.
Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before layering it in the casserole.
Can I reduce the fat content of this casserole?
Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat versions of ingredients like cheese and soup to lower the fat content.
Additionally, you can opt for lean ground meat or turkey instead of beef to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.