Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable Version)
Layered Tex-Mex bake with seasoned beef, crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheeses; ready in 45 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
06 - 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Dairy
09 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
→ Chips
12 - 5 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
→ Toppings
13 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
14 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
15 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
16 - Fresh jalapeños, sliced (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion, breaking up meat, until browned and onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add minced garlic to skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn if using. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt and black pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the tortilla chips. Spoon half the meat mixture over chips, then sprinkle with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
05 - Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling and top is golden.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Add desired toppings: sour cream, sliced black olives, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Serve immediately.
# Quick Tips:
01 -
- The layering trick keeps chips both crispy and saucy, making every bite a surprise.
- This casserole wins over picky eaters and is endlessly customizable with whatever you have on hand.
02 -
- If you crush the tortilla chips too much, they’ll just turn to mush at the bottom—a gentle hand makes all the difference.
- Letting the casserole rest for five minutes after baking keeps the cheesy layers from falling apart when you serve.
03 -
- Always taste the meat layer before assembling; seasoning levels can shift with canned ingredients.
- Layering cheese right above and below the chips keeps the bottom from getting soggy.