King Ranch Casserole

King Ranch Casserole is a beloved comfort food classic known for its rich, cheesy, and hearty layers. It combines savory seasoned beef, creamy soups, spicy tomatoes, melty cheeses, and crunchy tortilla chips into a bubbling, satisfying bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Why People Will Love This Recipe:

Irresistibly Comforting: Gooey cheese, crunchy chips, and flavorful beef make each bite completely satisfying.

Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Easy to Prepare: Simple pantry staples and minimal prep work turn into a big, flavorful meal.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats wonderfully, making lunch or dinner the next day just as good!

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base.

Taco Seasoning & Water: Adds bold flavor to the beef.

Cream of Chicken & Mushroom Soups: Create a creamy, rich sauce.

Rotel Tomatoes: Bring a little spice and texture with diced tomatoes and green chilies.

Cheez Whiz: Delivers a creamy, cheesy punch.

Tortilla Chips: Add crunch and structure to the casserole layers.

Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, bubbly topping for an irresistible finish.

Tabasco and Worcestershire Sauce: Small splashes that elevate the flavor depth.

King Ranch Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef lean

1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning

⅓ cup water

1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz).

1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)

2 Tbsp minced dried onion flakes

1 can Rotel tomatoes (10 oz).

1 (8-oz) jar Cheez Whiz

dash Tabasco

Worcestershire Sauce by Perrins & Lea

Salt and pepper to your liking

Tortilla chips crushed

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350oF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef until it is no pinker.

The fat should be drained.

Stir in the taco seasoning and water.

Let it simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until almost all of the water has been absorbed.

Combine the soups, tomatoes, Worcestershire Sauce, Cheez Whiz Tabasco, and tomatoes in a saucepan.

Heat on medium heat until blended. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside.

You can cover a casserole dish with enough crushed tortilla chips to cover it.

Spread half the taco meat on top of the chips.

Top with half the Rotel mixture.

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Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over top.

Continue to add the cheddar cheese and the rest of the mozzarella.

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until bubbly.

Recipe Notes for King Ranch Casserole:

Drain the Beef Well:
After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain the fat thoroughly. Excess grease can make the casserole too oily and heavy.

Simmer the Taco Meat Properly:
Allow the taco-seasoned beef to simmer until most of the water evaporates. This concentrates the flavor and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

Use Sturdy Tortilla Chips:
Thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips are best because they hold up better under the moist layers without turning completely soggy.

Layer Evenly:
Try to spread the meat, sauce, and cheeses evenly over the chips in each layer. This ensures you get a good balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Adjust the Heat Level:

For a spicier casserole, use “Hot” Rotel tomatoes and add more Tabasco sauce.

For a milder version, stick with “Original” or “Mild” Rotel and go easy on the hot sauce.

Cheez Whiz Alternative:
If you prefer not to use processed cheese, you can replace Cheez Whiz with 1½ cups of a homemade creamy cheese sauce or melted Velveeta.

Customize the Protein:
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter or different flavor profile.

Preheat the Oven Properly:
Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking to ensure even cooking and bubbling cheese.

Make It Ahead:
This casserole can be assembled 24 hours in advance, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and stored in the refrigerator. Add about 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.

Freezing Tips:
Freeze the fully baked casserole after cooling, either whole or in individual portions. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:
Top with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for extra freshness and flavor.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in the recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of a packaged one?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use homemade taco seasoning, you can replace the packaged taco seasoning with your own blend of spices according to your taste preferences.

Is there a substitute for Cheez Whiz?

If you prefer not to use Cheez Whiz, you can substitute it with shredded cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Simply melt the shredded cheese and use it as a topping in the recipe.

Can I make this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a chilled casserole may take slightly longer to cook through.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can customize the casserole by adding diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or black beans for added flavor and texture.

Just make sure to cook any additional vegetables before incorporating them into the casserole.

Can I make this casserole spicy?

Yes, if you prefer a spicier casserole, you can adjust the heat level by adding more Tabasco sauce or using a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes.

Can I use fresh onions instead of dried onion flakes?

Yes, you can use finely chopped fresh onions instead of dried onion flakes. Use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of finely chopped onion as a substitute.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of King Ranch Casserole by substituting the ground beef with a meat substitute or additional vegetables.

You can use vegetarian taco seasoning and replace the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups with vegetarian alternatives.

Can I freeze this casserole for later?

Yes, you can freeze King Ranch Casserole for later. Prepare the casserole as instructed, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.