Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable)
Gooey layers of seasoned beef, crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheese, topped with green onions and cilantro.
# What You 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)
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and onion, and cook while breaking up meat until evenly browned and onion is tender, approximately 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 corn if using. Allow mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half the tortilla chips over the bottom. Layer with half the meat mixture, then sprinkle with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, remaining meat mixture, and the rest of the cheese.
05 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden in color.
06 - Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, sliced black olives, green onions, chopped cilantro, and fresh jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all the flavors of nachos in one easy, bubbling casserole without needing a dozen separate bowls.
- It wins over picky eaters and fancy food friends alike every single time, which is honestly a miracle.
02 -
- If you overbake, the chips turn rock hard, so keep a close eye during those last five minutes.
- Letting it sit for a few minutes after baking stops the cheese from sliding everywhere as you scoop.
03 -
- Crush some chips but leave some pieces bigger for surprise crunch in every bite.
- Always let the casserole rest—cutting too soon means cheese lava everywhere.