Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable View)
Layers of seasoned beef, crushed tortilla chips and gooey cheddar, finished with zesty toppings for a crowd.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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, for topping, optional
→ 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
# How to Make It:
01 - Set the oven to 375°F and allow it to preheat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook 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, season with salt and black pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. Spoon half the meat mixture over the chips and top with half of both cheeses. Repeat layering with remaining chips, meat, and cheese.
05 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
06 - Remove casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, black olives, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- No one has to fight over the cheesiest nachos—every bite is layered with gooey cheese.
- It's practically a dinner party miracle because you can assemble it ahead and bake just before serving.
02 -
- If you get too enthusiastic with the chips, the casserole can become dry—and no one likes dusty nachos.
- I accidentally doubled the cheese once, and it turned into pure gooey joy; don’t be stingy with the good stuff.
03 -
- Layer cheese directly on the chips to protect them from sogginess—the melty blanket really matters.
- If you want perfect slices, let the casserole cool an extra 5-10 minutes so it sets before serving.