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Savory Cheesy Beef Nachos Casserole

savory cheesy beef nachos casserole - featured image

A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for game day or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 bag (about 10 ounces) sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for topping)
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (optional, for topping)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or smashed (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion for 6-8 minutes until browned and onions are softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef, pour in 1/2 cup water or beef broth, and stir to combine.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates and beef is well-coated with spices. Adjust salt or seasoning as needed.
  6. Layer tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
  7. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, then half of the black beans and half of the jalapeños.
  8. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef and chips.
  9. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, beans, jalapeños, and top with remaining cheese.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices if desired.
  13. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

To keep chips crispy, layer chips with beef and cheese alternately and bake just until cheese melts. Toasting chips lightly before layering adds extra crunch. Use good-quality cheese for best melt. For a smoky flavor, try chipotle cheese. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freeze without fresh toppings for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef nachos casserole, cheesy nachos, game day recipe, easy casserole, ground beef recipe, layered nachos, comfort food