Description
Hearty Mexican chicken casserole brings zesty flavors dancing across your plate with bold spices and creamy textures. Quick weeknight dinner promises comfort and satisfaction, delivering a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Starches and Grains:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 3/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (plus an additional 1/2 cup for optional topping)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light layer of grease.
- Transform ground beef into a flavorful foundation by sautéing diced onions in olive oil until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Incorporate the meat, browning thoroughly and eliminating excess liquid.
- Create a harmonious blend by combining cooked rice, French onion soup, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Integrate the seasoned beef and caramelized onions, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Craft an optional luxurious topping by whisking sour cream with additional cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the hearty mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer. If utilizing the creamy topping, distribute it carefully across the surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become delightfully bubbly.
- For textural contrast, sprinkle crispy fried onions during the final 5 minutes of baking to maintain their satisfying crunch.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to settle and stabilize.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and serve alongside vibrant vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete dining experience.
Notes
- Customize meat options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences.
- Enhance casserole’s nutritional value by incorporating mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the mixing stage.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium French onion soup and low-fat cheese alternatives without compromising rich, comforting flavors.
- Make ahead and freeze the assembled casserole before baking, covering tightly with aluminum foil to preserve texture and taste for convenient meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg