Beefy Nacho Casserole

This beefy nacho casserole transforms everyone's favorite appetizer into a satisfying main dish that brings the festive flavors of loaded nachos to your dinner table. With layers of crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, and melty cheese, it's a crowd-pleasing comfort food that's both fun and filling.

I first made this casserole during a game day gathering when I needed something substantial but casual. The dish disappeared faster than any other food on the table, and now it's requested at nearly every family movie night and casual get together.

Ingredients

• Canola oil: Creates a neutral base for sautéing without adding competing flavors
• White onion: Provides a sweet aromatic foundation, look for firm onions with tight dry skins
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add essential pungent flavor, crush with the side of your knife for easy mincing
• Ground round: Offers the perfect balance of flavor and leanness without excess grease
• Chili powder: Brings classic Tex Mex flavor, use a fresh bottle for maximum impact
• Ground cumin: Adds earthy warm notes that define authentic taco seasoning
• Dried oregano: Contributes an herbal Mediterranean note that balances the spices
• Paprika: Provides mild sweetness and vibrant color
• Thick and chunky red salsa: Delivers instant flavor and texture, choose your preferred heat level
• Taco sauce: Adds tangy tomato richness and helps create a saucy consistency
• Beef broth: Deepens the savory elements without making the dish too heavy
• Black beans: Provide hearty texture and protein, look for firm beans without split skins
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the entire dish with its distinctive herbaceous flavor
• Tortilla chips: Create the essential crunchy layers, buy thicker restaurant style chips
• Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully with the perfect combination of flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients:

Gather and measure all ingredients before beginning. Chop the onion into even small pieces about ¼ inch in size to ensure they cook evenly. Mince the garlic finely and set aside. Open and drain the black beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly. This initial prep makes the cooking process flow smoothly.

Create The Flavor Base:

Heat the tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and aromatic. This foundation builds essential flavor for the entire dish.

Brown The Meat With Spices:

Add the pound of ground beef to the onion mixture, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Immediately sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Stir continuously while cooking for approximately 6 minutes until no pink remains in the meat. The spices will bloom in the heat and fat, intensifying their flavors throughout the dish.

Create The Sauce:

Pour in the salsa, taco sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine completely with the meat mixture. Allow this to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain somewhat loose as it will continue to thicken in the oven.

Complete The Filling:

Stir the drained black beans and fresh cilantro into the beef mixture, distributing evenly. The filling should be richly colored and aromatic with a balanced consistency between sauce and solids. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before assembling the casserole.

Layer The Casserole:

Coat your baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Create the first layer with one third of the tortilla chips, covering the bottom evenly. Add half of the beef mixture in an even layer. Top with another layer of chips and sprinkle with half the cheese. Finish with the remaining beef mixture, then the final portions of chips and cheese.

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, which allows the ingredients to heat through without burning the cheese. Place in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until you see bubbling around the edges. This initial covered baking ensures everything heats thoroughly.

Brown To Perfection:

Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for about 5 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese melts completely and develops appetizing golden brown spots. The edges will become slightly crispy, adding textural contrast to the dish.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the crunchy top layer of chips and the savory, spice infused beef mixture beneath. It reminds me of the backyard fiestas my grandmother would host, where she always insisted that good food brings people together. The familiar comfort of these flavors never fails to create a festive atmosphere, no matter the occasion.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole works beautifully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the beef mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bring the mixture to room temperature, then layer with fresh chips and cheese before baking. The assembled casserole can also be frozen before baking for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on your pantry and preferences. Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully as a lighter alternative to beef. Pinto or kidney beans can replace black beans without compromising flavor. For those avoiding dairy, dairy free Mexican style shreds melt reasonably well in this application. Corn tortillas cut into triangles and baked until crisp make excellent homemade chips if you prefer to control the salt and oil content.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this casserole into a complete feast by offering a variety of toppings tableside. Set out bowls of diced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and extra cilantro for guests to customize their portions. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. For a festive touch, serve with a pitcher of homemade agua fresca or margaritas for the adults.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe delivers classic Tex Mex flavors, you can easily customize the spice profile. For a smoky version, substitute chipotle powder for the chili powder and add a tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles. Create a verde version by using salsa verde and chicken broth instead of red salsa and beef broth. For heat lovers, add diced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture during cooking.

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This beefy nacho casserole is the perfect combination of bold Tex Mex flavors and comforting home cooked goodness. It's sure to be a new favorite for your family meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this beefy nacho casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bring the mixture to room temperature, then assemble with the chips and cheese just before baking to prevent the chips from becoming soggy.

→ What can I substitute for ground round?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, you could double the black beans or add corn and bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

→ How spicy is this casserole?

This casserole has a mild to medium heat level from the chili powder and salsa. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing milder or spicier salsa and taco sauce, or by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad, Mexican rice, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides. You could also serve with guacamole, sour cream, and additional fresh salsa for topping the casserole.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results when reheating a larger portion, use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to help restore some crispness to the chips.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

The beef mixture freezes well on its own. However, the complete assembled casserole is not ideal for freezing as the tortilla chips will become soggy. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze just the meat mixture and assemble with fresh chips and cheese before baking.