Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole by Shalene McNeill with Texas Beef Council

Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole by Shalene McNeill with Texas Beef Council is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 6. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by KLTV 7 on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $20.27 total, $3.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Sirloin Steak (trimmed, cut into cubes for shredding)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Jalapeño (minced (remove seeds for less heat))
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) Green Chilies (drained)
  • 1 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk for richness)
  • 2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, grated)
  • 8 Corn Tortillas (cut into quarters)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef

    Season the sirloin cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Simmer the Beef

    Add 1 cup beef broth, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let the beef simmer until fork‑tender, about 20 minutes. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more broth.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: low

  3. Shred the Beef

    Remove the beef from the skillet, let it rest 2 minutes, then shred with two forks into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sauté Vegetables

    In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté diced onion, green and red bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cumin and cook 30 seconds.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Combine Base Ingredients

    Transfer shredded beef to a mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), drained green chilies, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar. Mix gently.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Layer the Casserole

    Spread the tortilla quarters evenly across the bottom of the 9×13‑inch baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture over the tortillas, spreading it into an even layer.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Add Cheese Topping

    Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups shredded cheddar evenly over the top.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake

    Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Rest and Serve

    Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
32 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be dairy‑free using dairy‑free cheese

Allergens: Dairy, Potential gluten if flour tortillas are used

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole by Shalene McNeill with Texas Beef Council

Recipe by KLTV 7

A hearty Tex‑Mex casserole featuring shredded sirloin, diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn tortillas and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd‑pleasing potluck.

MediumTex-MexServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.27
Total cost
$3.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Searing the beef to develop flavor
  • Simmering until the sirloin is fork‑tender for shredding
  • Shredding the beef while still warm
  • Baking covered then uncovered to achieve a bubbly cheese top

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the beef reaches at least 145°F for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole blends classic Tex‑Mex flavors—tortillas, chilies, and cheese—with a hearty beef base, reflecting the ranching heritage of West Texas where beef and simple pantry staples were combined into one‑pot meals for families and cowhands.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of this casserole in Texas?

A

In East Texas the dish often uses a chuck roast and adds smoked sausage, while West Texas versions may swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas and incorporate green tomatillos for a tangier sauce.

cultural
Q

How is Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole traditionally served in Texas households?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven, topped with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, and accompanied by a side of refried beans, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is this casserole associated with in Texas culture?

A

The casserole is popular at family gatherings, potlucks, and community events such as church picnics and Fourth of July barbecues because it feeds a crowd and showcases beloved Tex‑Mex flavors.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for this Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include sirloin or chuck beef, corn tortillas, canned green chilies, and sharp cheddar. Substitutes can be flank steak for a leaner option, flour tortillas for a softer texture, or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder melt.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, or a side of black beans for a complete Tex‑Mex meal.

cultural
Q

What makes this casserole special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Its combination of shredded beef with a tortilla base creates a layered texture—soft, saucy, and crunchy—while the cheese topping adds a rich, melty finish that isn’t typical in traditional enchilada casseroles.

cultural
Q

Why does this recipe use shredded sirloin instead of ground beef?

A

Shredded sirloin provides a more tender, juicy bite and absorbs the sauce better than ground beef, resulting in a heartier texture that honors the ranch‑style cooking tradition.

technical
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Texas Beef King Ranch Casserole?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the beef so it becomes dry, using too much liquid which makes the casserole soggy, and skipping the uncovered baking step, which prevents the cheese from browning.

technical
Q

How do I know when the casserole is done cooking?

A

The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbling and golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out hot (at least 165°F). The sauce should be thickened and the tortillas slightly softened.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel KLTV 7 specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel KLTV 7 focuses on local Texas cooking, showcasing regional recipes, cooking tips, and community food events, often highlighting Texas‑style comfort foods and ranch cuisine.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel KLTV 7's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

KLTV 7 emphasizes home‑grown, locally sourced ingredients and practical, step‑by‑step demonstrations that cater to busy families, whereas many other channels may focus on gourmet plating or exotic variations.

channel

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