Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable)
Layered beef, chips and melted cheese topped with beans, tomatoes and fresh herbs for an easy crowd-pleaser.
# 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 fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Fresh jalapeños, sliced (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Set oven to 375°F to prepare for baking.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion, breaking meat apart until browned and onion is 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, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half the tortilla chips evenly. Top with half the meat mixture, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining chips, meat, and cheese.
05 - Place casserole in oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.
06 - Remove casserole from oven. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, olives, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It transforms leftover chips and pantry staples into a bubbling, golden masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.
- Double layers of cheese and zesty beef always vanish faster than I expect at gatherings.
02 -
- If you rush the assembly, the chips on the bottom can turn too soggy – layer and bake with care.
- Letting the casserole rest out of the oven guarantees tidy slices (and spares your tongue from molten cheese burns).
03 -
- Crush chips only lightly to keep some bite after baking – too fine, and you lose the contrast.
- Always taste for salt after layering – the chips and cheese can be salty enough on their own.