Chili Beef Bake Recipe

Overview:

Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we’re excited to share with you our tantalizing Chili Beef Bake recipe, perfect for those cozy evenings or gatherings with friends and family. This hearty one-dish meal brings together the rich flavors of lean ground beef, aromatic spices, creamy cheeses, and zesty beans, all baked to perfection for a mouthwatering delight! With just a little prep time and some love in the kitchen, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Ingredients:

Gather these ingredients to embark on your culinary journey:

2 lbs lean ground beef
Salt, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic granules
1 1/2 tsp chili powder, divided
1 onion, minced
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh cilantro leaves
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
Red wine vinegar, to taste
1 can ranch-style pinto beans, drained
1 can Rotel tomatoes & chilies, undrained
8 oz low-fat cream cheese
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12-18 corn tortillas
Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create your Chili Beef Bake masterpiece:

Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, break up the lean ground beef.
- Season the meat with salt, black pepper, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
- Cook until browned, breaking up any lumps as necessary.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the minced onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, and reserved juice from the beans to the skillet.
- Stir to combine, cover, and cook over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding red wine vinegar for a slightly tart flavor.
Prepare the Soup Mixture:
- While the meat is cooking, in a medium saucepan, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes & chilies, and cream cheese.
- Stir over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly brush 6 tortillas with olive oil and place them oiled side down in a 9″x13″x2″ baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
- Add more tortillas if needed to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by the drained beans, remaining meat mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top with another layer of tortillas to cover the filling completely.
- Add the chopped green onions to the soup mixture, then pour it over the top of the tortillas. The dish will be full, but that’s a good sign of the deliciousness to come!
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled Chili Beef Bake in the preheated oven.
- Bake, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 548.2
Fat: 30.8g
- Saturated Fat: 14.3g
Cholesterol: 123.2mg
Sodium: 1451.6mg
Carbohydrates: 32.4g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 3g
Protein: 36.1g

Serving Suggestions:

This Chili Beef Bake is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it even further with some delicious accompaniments. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with your favorite vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake. You can also garnish individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color. Pair it with some warm cornbread or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Conclusion:

With its layers of savory goodness and comforting flavors, this Chili Beef Bake is destined to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its hearty appeal and crowd-pleasing taste. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of this mouthwatering recipe. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with family and friends! Happy cooking! 🌶️🥩🧀