Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable)
Layered beef, chips and melted cheese topped with beans, tomatoes and fresh herbs for an easy crowd-pleaser.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
06 - 1 cup frozen corn, optional
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Dairy
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream, optional, for topping
→ Chips
13 - 5 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
→ Toppings
14 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives, optional
15 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Fresh jalapeños, sliced, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking meat into crumbles, until beef is browned and onion is tender, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn if using. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, ensuring flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half the tortilla chips in an even layer. Distribute half the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layering with remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheeses.
05 - Place baking dish uncovered in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheeses are thoroughly melted and golden at the edges.
06 - Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, sliced black olives, green onions, cilantro, and fresh jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
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.