Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Print Version)
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
# Preparation Steps:
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 Advice:
01 -
- You get all the comfort of nachos in a single, easy-to-share baking dish – and the cheese stays gloriously gooey.
- This is just as good for hurried weeknights as it is for inviting friends over, because everyone gets excited for crispy, melty layers.
02 -
- If you skip the resting step, the cheese and toppings slide everywhere – patience pays off for prettier servings.
- I once tried skipping the layer of chips in the middle and missed that key crispy layer, so don’t skimp if you love crunch.
03 -
- Lightly crush the tortilla chips by hand so you keep larger pieces for texture; a rolling pin makes them too fine too fast.
- Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for both sharpness and that dream-worthy gooey stretch—don’t use just one if you can help it.