Cheesy Nacho Casserole (Printable View)
A layered Tex‑Mex casserole of seasoned beef, chips, black beans and gooey cheese, topped with cilantro and jalapeños.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 and black pepper to taste
→ Dairy
09 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream, optional for serving
→ Chips
12 - 5 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
→ Toppings
13 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives, optional
14 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Fresh jalapeños, sliced, optional
# How to Prepare:
01 - Set oven to 375°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onion is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add taco seasoning, black beans, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and frozen corn if using. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
04 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the crushed tortilla chips as the base. Spread half of the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with half of the combined cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Repeat with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
05 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the casserole is hot and cheese is bubbling and golden.
06 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sour cream, sliced olives, green onions, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños as desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get all the messy fun of nachos but in an easy, scoopable casserole—no fighting over the cheesy chips.
- It's customizable to the moods and cravings of the day, and you can sneak in veggies or add heat without complaint from picky eaters.
02 -
- If you layer the chips too thickly at the bottom, they’ll turn to mush instead of staying crisp—use a gentle hand.
- Letting the casserole rest for five minutes before serving is the difference between tidy slices and a delicious, wild mess.
03 -
- Always use freshly grated cheese—it melts smoother and doesn’t clump like pre-shredded varieties.
- Warm the beans and tomatoes separately if you’re tight for time; it keeps the simmering step short and flavors brighter.