Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable)
Comforting layered nacho bake with seasoned beef, crushed chips, beans, corn and melted cheddar—ideal for casual nights.
# 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, 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, for topping, optional
→ 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 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion, breaking up meat with a spatula, until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5–7 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, if using, frozen corn. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. Spread half the meat mixture over chips, then sprinkle with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat with remaining chips, meat, and cheeses.
05 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden on top.
06 - Remove casserole from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, sliced black olives, green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This casserole is like nachos on overdrive—every layer is packed with flavor, crunch, and plenty of gooey cheese.
- It’s a foolproof dish that can be customized on the fly but never fails to disappear fast at game nights or casual gatherings.
02 -
- Don’t skip letting the casserole rest before serving or you’ll lose all those beautiful layers to a cheesy landslide.
- I once made the mistake of using stale tortilla chips—now I always check they’re fresh for the best crunch.
03 -
- Lining the baking dish with parchment means easier cleanup (trust me, melted cheese sticks).
- Meld the cheese gently into each layer rather than just dumping it all on top—it distributes those gooey pockets much better.