Mexican Build Up

Get ready to fall in love with layers of bold flavor, irresistible textures, and a fiesta on your plate with this vibrant Mexican Build Up recipe! Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a fun family meal, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, zesty taco spices, hearty rice and black beans, and tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies as a flavorful base. The layers are topped with creamy shredded cheddar, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and drizzles of cooling sour cream, while crushed tortilla chips add crunch and personality. Simple to prepare with readily available ingredients, this 45-minute recipe is as versatile as it is delicious—adjust the spice level with jalapeños or enhance with fresh cilantro for added pizzazz. Serve it as a show-stopping centerpiece or in individual bowls for a fully customizable and festive dining experience. Perfect for lovers of Mexican-inspired cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 450 grams ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup sliced jalapenos (optional)
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 2

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4

Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Add 1/4 cup of water, mix well, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, heat the cooked rice, black beans, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

To assemble the dish, layer the cooked rice mixture on the bottom of a large serving platter or individual bowls.

Step 7

Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef while it’s still warm to allow it to melt slightly.

Step 9

Add layers of shredded lettuce and diced fresh tomatoes on top of the cheese.

Step 10

Drizzle with sour cream and optionally add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Step 11

Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top for a crispy texture.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2103 grams (2103.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3055

Total Fat 172.40g	221%
Saturated Fat 76.10g	381%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 497mg	166%
Sodium 4138mg	180%
Total Carbohydrate 252.70g	92%
Dietary Fiber 32.10g	115%
Total Sugars 26.10g
Protein 145.40g	291%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1334mg	103%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 3241mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 32.2%