Description
This Beef Nacho Casserole is a delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chiles, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Topped with sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, and fresh cilantro, this casserole balances savory, spicy, and creamy flavors for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Casserole Layers and Toppings
- 4 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the skillet. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, and corn kernels to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and then remove from heat.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the beef mixture over the chips, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers: remaining chips, remaining beef mixture, and the last cup of cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking. Top with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This dish is excellent for meal prep as it reheats well, making leftovers just as tasty.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding refried beans or sliced olives between the layers.
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount or presence of jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
