Ma maw's Mexican Casserole aka Dorito Beef Casserole

Layers of ground beef, corn tortilla chips, chili beans, Rotel tomatoes and cheese make up this ooey-gooey casserole. 

Today I'm sharing a recipe that comes from my husbands Ma maw. I know what you're thinking by the title alone, Dorito Beef Casserole that's horrible for you. It probably is, but sometimes we just need a good dose of ooey gooey "bad for you" comfort food.
 
We love Mexican food, so I thought everyone would like this casserole. I told my husband I was making it and he said Ma maw was a great cook, so it should be good. This recipe calls for pantry friendly ingredients that you probably have on hand. I've tried making similar Dorito Casseroles in the past, but they always turn out dry.
 

Well not this time! Ma maw's casserole turned out ooey gooey good. I really think the dryness comes from overcooking the casserole. I baked mine for 30 - 40 minutes or just until hot and bubbly around the edges. The meat is precooked, so the flavors just really need to blend and heat through. 

Ma maw was a wonderful cook, so I'm glad I gave this recipe a try. There's  just something about making a recipe that's been handed down from generations before us. Maybe it's the writing or just seeing the tattered written recipe that makes us feel close to them again.  

I love how old family recipes look. They're usually just jotted down on recipe cards or a scrap piece of paper that has become worn over the years. Most times the ingredients or directions are a bit off and confusing, but I always figure it out.I  found this recipe tucked away in my mother in laws recipe binder. 

Sadly my husbands step mom and Ma maw passed away a little over a year go. I'm so glad I have some of their recipes, so I can continue cooking our favorite dishes. ❤ I took a few step-by-step photos to show you how easily this casserole came together. 

Start by pre- heating the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large skillet brown the ground beef with onion and garlic and drain off any grease. Add the ranch style beans and chili powder; lightly mix to combine and set aside.

In a separate bowl combine the soup and the Rotel tomatoes and set aside. Place a layer of slightly crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a greased 2 quart, 9x9 inch or 8x8 inch casserole dish.

Add half of the ground beef mixture and half of the soup mixture. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat layers a second time ending with shredded cheese.

Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 30 - 35 minute or just until casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.  

Ma maw's Dorito Beef Casserole
{mommyskitchen.net}

1 - 1 1/2 lbs ground beef or chuck, browned
1/4 - cup onion, chopped
1 - clove garlic, minced
1 - 2 teaspoons chili powder  
1/2 - package (16 oz) Corn Tortilla Chips, crushed
1 - (15 oz) can ranch style beans or chili beans
1 - (10 oz) can mild Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes & green chilies), undrained
1 - (10 oz) can cream of chicken, mushroom or fiesta nacho cheese soup
2 - cups Mexican style cheese blend  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large skillet brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain any grease.

Add the ranch style beans and chili powder; mix to combine and set aside. In a separate bowl combine the soup and the Rotel tomatoes together and set aside. 

Add a layer of slightly crushed corn tortilla chips in the bottom of a greased 2 quart, 9 x 9 inch or 8 x 8 x 2 inch casserole dish. 

Add half of the ground beef mixture and half of the soup mixture. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Repeat layers a second time ending with the remaining shredded cheese. Place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 30 - 35 minutes or just until hot and bubbly around the edges.
 
This casserole is great served with Cilantro Lime Rice and Flour Tortillas on the side.

Servings: 4 - 6

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