Nacho Casserole
Enjoy Tex-Mex flavors with this beefy nacho casserole recipe. Layers of beef, beans, tortilla chips, and cheese create a memorable meal.
This nacho casserole is a cozy Tex-Mex classic that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Ground beef, black beans, corn, and salsa come together in a savory, flavorful filling, layered with tortilla chips and plenty of melty cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder that always gets devoured, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
With pantry-friendly ingredients and just a few steps, it’s easy to pull together and even easier to customize. The combination of textures—crunchy chips, creamy cheese, and hearty filling—makes every bite something to look forward to.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Tex-Mex comfort food. It’s like your favorite nachos and taco night rolled into one easy casserole.
Hearty and filling. With beef, beans, and cheese, it’s a complete meal packed with flavor.
Kid-friendly and fun. The chip layers and melty cheese make this a hit with all ages.
Quick and flexible. Great for weeknights and easy to tweak based on what you have.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use 85% lean for a flavorful but not overly greasy base.
- Onion and garlic: Aromatics that boost the savory flavor of the filling.
- Green chilies: Canned mild chilies add gentle heat and flavor.
- Taco seasoning: Use a store-bought packet or your own homemade blend.
- Salsa: A chunky salsa works best to add texture and moisture.
- Black beans: Drained and rinsed—adds protein and texture.
- Corn: Use thawed frozen corn for sweet crunch.
- Tortilla chips: Choose thick, sturdy chips so they hold up well.
- Cheese: Pepper jack adds a little kick, or swap in cheddar or a Mexican blend.
Steps to Make Nacho Casserole
- Heat the oven and prepare a casserole dish.
- Brown the ground beef and add the garlic and onions. Add the remaining ingredients and seasonings; simmer and taste for seasoning.
- Layer half the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, then top with half of the cheese and half of the chips. Top with the remaining beef, cheese, and chips.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
Tips
- Use thicker tortilla chips so they stay crisp longer during baking.
- For a less spicy version, swap the pepper jack with Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- If you like a saucier casserole, add a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or enchilada sauce to the filling.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Recipe Variations
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the ground beef and double the beans or add sautéed zucchini and bell peppers.
- Spice it up. Add diced jalapeños or use hot salsa for more heat.
- Swap the chips. Try crumbled tostadas or use crushed tortilla strips instead.
- Add more cheese. Mix some into the filling for a richer dish.
- Use rotisserie chicken. Shredded cooked chicken makes an easy variation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a creamy, cooling contrast.
- Add toppings like green onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, or shredded lettuce.
- Pair with Mexican rice or seasoned cauliflower rice for a heartier plate.
- Brighten the meal with cucumber slices or a fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
To Reheat: Transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nacho Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef, 85%
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 4.5- can green chilies, (4.5-oz) chopped mild
- 1 pkt taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1 can black beans, (15-oz) drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen, thawed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces tortilla chips
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese , or cheddar
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2 1/2 to 3-quart casserole.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Break the beef up, add the onions, and continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the green chilies, taco seasoning, salsa, drained beans, and corn to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Turn half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with half of the cheese and half of the chips. top with the remaining casserole mixture followed by the remaining cheese and chips.
- Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the casserole filling is bubbling.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
