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All the lovely fajita flavors come together in this hearty twist that swaps out chicken for ground beef. This Hamburger Fajita Casserole is rich, flavorful, and loaded with colorful vegetables — a true comfort meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just craving something warm and cheesy, this dish delivers bold Tex-Mex flavor in every bite.
🧀 Ingredients
Main Casserole:
1½ lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp seasoning salt
2 cups grated Mexican blend cheese (or half Cheddar and half Mozzarella)
Creamy Fajita Sauce:
8 oz (250 g) cream cheese
1 cup homemade chicken stock (see below)
¼ cup whipping cream
2 tsp crushed garlic
1½ tsp oregano
1½ tsp cumin
½ tsp hot chili powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and black pepper as it cooks. Once done, set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Fajita Sauce
In another large skillet, combine the cream cheese (cut into chunks), chicken stock, whipping cream, garlic, oregano, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Whisk continuously over medium heat until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly bubbly.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In a bit of olive oil, cook the diced green, yellow, and red bell peppers along with the chopped onion until tender and fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Stir the cooked ground beef into the vegetables, then pour in the Creamy Fajita Sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart (2 L) casserole dish. Top with the grated cheese.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden layer of melted cheese.
💡 Helpful Hints
To make homemade chicken stock:
Place a rotisserie chicken carcass in a slow cooker. Add enough water to cover. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp parsley, ½ tsp thyme (optional), and ½ tsp black pepper.
Cook on low overnight, then strain. Refrigerate or freeze the stock in an airtight container. It’s perfect for soups, sauces, and gravies.
✨ Serving Suggestion
Serve your Hamburger Fajita Casserole with cooked squash, cauliflower mash, or even a “faux baked potato” (cauliflower mash served in a hollowed-out potato skin). For non–low-carb eaters, the baked potato itself makes a great side.
Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, this casserole is a Tex-Mex comfort dish that brings the fajita experience straight to your dinner table — no tortillas needed!
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