chefmaniac.com

Beef Nacho Casserole: The Ultimate Cheesy, Meaty & Easy Dinner!

Imagine all the irresistible flavors of loaded nachos—seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, vibrant veggies, and crunchy tortilla chips—transformed into a warm, comforting casserole. This Beef Nacho Casserole is exactly that! It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a fun family dinner, a casual get-together, or your next game day party. Get ready for a delicious, crowd-pleasing bake that combines all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of meals that bring big flavors with minimal fuss, and this Beef Nacho Casserole absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is how it takes a classic party food—nachos—and turns it into a cohesive, comforting baked dish. The savory seasoned ground beef forms a hearty base, while the layers of gooey melted cheese and the satisfying crunch of the tortilla chips in every bite are simply irresistible. It feels incredibly satisfying and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it a fantastic, fuss-free option for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or 2-3 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 (10 oz) bag nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips, slightly crushed
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack blend)
  • Optional toppings for serving: shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole

Swaps and Notes

  • Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best to prevent the casserole from being too greasy. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Taco Seasoning: A standard taco seasoning packet is convenient. For a homemade blend, use chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
  • Rotel: Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies add a fantastic flavor base and a little kick. You can use regular diced tomatoes with a small can of diced green chilies if you prefer less spice.
  • Black Beans (Optional): Rinsed and drained black beans add extra fiber and protein, making the casserole heartier.
  • Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: This is key for the creamy, cheesy sauce in the casserole. Do not substitute with other soups.
  • Milk: Whole milk will contribute to the creamiest sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess. Use full-fat sour cream for the richest result.
  • Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips: Using nacho cheese flavored chips adds an extra layer of cheesy flavor. You can use plain tortilla chips, but the flavor profile will be slightly different. Slightly crushing them creates varied texture.
  • Shredded Cheese: A Mexican blend cheese is perfect for this casserole. Cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.
  • Optional Toppings: The beauty of nachos is in the toppings! Customize with your favorites for serving.

Instructions:

1. Cook Ground Beef & Season: In a large skillet, brown the 1 lb lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it is completely browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning and the 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained). If using, stir in the 1 (15 oz) can rinsed and drained black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

2. Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup, ½ cup milk, and 1 cup sour cream until smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about one-third of the slightly crushed nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the chips. Pour half of the creamy cheese soup mixture over the beef. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese. Repeat the layers: another third of the crushed chips, the remaining ground beef mixture, the remaining creamy cheese soup mixture, and another 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese. Finish with the final layer of crushed chips on top.

4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden. The chips on top should be slightly crisp but not burnt.

5. Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set. Garnish generously with your favorite fresh toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, a dollop of salsa, or a scoop of guacamole. Serve warm and enjoy your ultimate Beef Nacho Casserole!

Tips for Success

  • Drain Beef Well: Ensure you drain all excess grease from the cooked ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Layer Evenly: Spreading ingredients in even layers ensures balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Crush Chips Lightly: Don’t pulverize the chips; you want recognizable pieces for texture. Add them only in the layers, and optionally on top, not mixed throughout if baking, to prevent sogginess.
  • Don’t Overbake: Bake until just bubbly and golden; overbaking can dry out the casserole or burn the chips.
  • Add Fresh Toppings at Serving: Fresh, cool toppings provide a fantastic contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
  • Taste and Adjust: Taste the beef mixture and soup mixture before assembling, adjusting salt or seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Beef Nacho Casserole is a complete, satisfying meal on its own, perfect for any casual occasion.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This casserole is fantastic for making ahead, and leftovers are a treat!

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the ground beef mixture and the creamy soup mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover Beef Nacho Casserole (without fresh toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chips will soften slightly.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For better texture and to re-crisp the chips, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot.
  • Freezing: This casserole can be frozen! Once completely cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Nacho Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, combining all the irresistible flavors of loaded nachos into a warm, comforting baked dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a fun and satisfying meal. Get ready to dig into this cheesy, meaty delight!

What are your favorite creative casserole ideas for game day, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your Tex-Mex dishes extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0

Related posts:

Hot Honey Avocado & Halloumi Toast on Sourdough Baked Cauliflower Crust Pizza with Buffalo Chicken & Dill Ranch Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts: A Quick, Hearty Skillet Dinner Southern Spaghetti and Green Beans with Seasoned Saltine Crackers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *