Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable view)
A gooey, layered casserole of seasoned beef, chips, melted cheeses and zesty toppings—perfect for game night.
# 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 ounce packet 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 fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Fresh jalapeños, sliced (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion; cook, breaking up meat, until browned and onion has softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn if using. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes for flavors to blend. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
04 - Arrange half the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over chips, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheeses.
05 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
06 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, black olives, green onions, cilantro, and fresh jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get melty, cheesy nachos and a hearty casserole all in one (trust me, this disappears fast at parties).
- Layering chips, beef, beans, and bright toppings is oddly satisfying, and it’s nearly impossible to mess up.
02 -
- If you over-crush the chips, the bottom will turn soggy and lose the signature crunch.
- Swapping in block cheese and grating it fresh makes the whole thing melt together perfectly—bagged cheese just isn’t the same.
03 -
- Don’t be afraid to let the cheese brown at the edges—that’s the best part.
- A dash of cumin in the meat mixture wakes up all the flavors and adds a homemade twist.