The Ultimate Cheesy Beef Nacho Casserole: An Easy Family Dinner
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed culinary adventure straight to Mexico with this incredible Beef Nacho Casserole! This delightful dish combines all the best elements of savory ground beef, a touch of gentle spice, and the irresistible crunch of tortilla chips, all baked together into a comforting, cheesy masterpiece. It’s truly a party in a pan, making it the ideal choice for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone, especially the kids, will enthusiastically devour!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Nacho Casserole
Today, we’re diving into a truly delicious Mexican-inspired casserole that’s been specially adapted to please even the pickiest eaters in our family. You might notice something missing from many classic Mexican recipes: bell peppers. That’s right! In our house, the mere mention of bell peppers sends three kids (and perhaps a grown-up or two, it’s a hereditary trait!) running for cover until dinner is safely over. So, this recipe is crafted with beloved veggies that guarantee empty plates every time.
Our adaptation uses a fantastic blend of vegetables that everyone enjoys, perfectly seasoned with a homemade taco spice mix. This ensures every bite is bursting with authentic, satisfying flavor. The layers are then crowned with a generous dollop of cool sour cream, a scattering of crispy nacho chips, and a blanket of rich grated cheese, all baked to golden-brown perfection. The result? A dish so good, it vanished from the table in record time – nada, nope, there was absolutely nothing left!
This easy beef nacho casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve up maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of textures – from the tender, seasoned beef and soft vegetables to the crunchy chips and gooey cheese – creates an incredibly satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Flavors of Mexican Cuisine, Simplified for Your Table
Mexican cuisine is celebrated globally for its vibrant, bold flavors and often hearty, spicy dishes. While this beef nacho bake certainly carries that delicious spirit, it’s designed to be approachable and incredibly satisfying for a diverse palate. The star of the show is the perfectly seasoned ground beef, cooked until tender and infused with a proprietary blend of spices that evoke the classic tastes of Mexico.
But what truly elevates this casserole is the textural interplay. Beneath the golden-brown crust of melted cheese and crispy nacho chips lies a rich and flavorful filling. The vegetables, carefully selected to complement the beef, are sautéed directly with the seasoned meat, allowing them to absorb all those wonderful, aromatic spices. This ensures that every forkful delivers not only delicious flavor but also a wholesome serving of vegetables.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply looking for an exciting new family dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Its delightful combination of savory, mildly spicy, and cheesy elements makes it a dish that both adults and children genuinely enjoy. So, go ahead, savor the fantastic flavors of this delightful Mexican nacho casserole. Enjoy your meal!
Why Homemade Taco Seasoning Makes a Difference
While store-bought taco seasoning packets are convenient, making your own offers several advantages. Firstly, you have complete control over the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium. Secondly, you can customize the spice level to your family’s preference. Our homemade blend ensures a balanced flavor profile that’s savory without being overwhelmingly spicy, perfect for a family-friendly dish. The combination of sweet paprika, salt, a touch of chili powder, sugar, and ground nutmeg creates a unique depth that perfectly complements the ground beef and vegetables.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1.1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced fine
- 2 cloves garlic, squeezed
- 3 cups diced tomatoes
- â…” cups peas
- 1½ cup white cabbage, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream
- 7 oz. tortilla chips
- 1 cup grated cheese, Gouda or Cheddar
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 430 °F (220 °C) for a crispy crust, or 390 °F (200 °C) for a slightly softer finish.
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In a large bowl, combine the sweet paprika powder, salt, chili powder, sugar, and ground nutmeg. Add the ground beef and mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of meat is flavorful.1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1.1 pound ground beef
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Don’t rush this step, as it develops a sweet base for your dish.1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 onion
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Add the squeezed garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.2 cloves garlic
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Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Then, add the diced tomatoes, peas, and sliced white cabbage. Stir-fry for 4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and meld with the savory meat flavors.3 cups diced tomatoes, ⅔ cups peas, 1½ cup white cabbage
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Transfer this delicious meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a suitable oven-safe casserole dish.
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Gently spread the sour cream over the entire surface of the meat and vegetable mixture in the casserole dish. This will add a creamy, tangy layer that balances the rich flavors.½ cup sour cream
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Arrange the tortilla chips evenly over the layer of sour cream. These chips will become deliciously crispy and cheesy during baking.7 oz. tortilla chips
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Finally, generously sprinkle the grated cheese (Gouda or Cheddar work wonderfully) over the tortilla chips. This will create a beautiful, melted, golden-brown crust.1 cup grated cheese
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Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chips are crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Serve your magnificent Beef Nacho Casserole immediately with a side of fluffy rice and a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For an extra flourish, you can also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of guacamole.
Notes
- **Meat Options:** You can easily customize the protein! Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of ground pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a leaner option. A mix of half ground pork and half ground beef also offers a wonderful depth of flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try using black beans and corn as the base.
- **Vegetable Swap-Ins:** If you’re not a fan of cabbage, or simply want to try something new, feel free to replace it with other vegetables. Cooked corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained), black beans, kidney beans, or even finely diced zucchini or bell peppers (if your family tolerates them!) would work well.
- **Cheese Choices:** While Gouda or Cheddar are fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles and melt factor.
- **Add a Kick:** For those who love a bit more heat, stir in some finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) with the vegetables, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into your spice mix.
- **Extra Toppings:** After baking, this casserole is fantastic with fresh toppings! Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, a dollop of salsa, or extra sour cream. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten all the flavors.
2. Preparing and Storage Tips
- **Make Ahead (Partial):** This is a great recipe for partial make-ahead preparation. You can prepare the ground beef and vegetable mixture (up to step 7, before adding sour cream) the night before. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. The next day, proceed with spreading the sour cream, layering the chips, and sprinkling the cheese before baking. This makes for a super quick assembly on a busy day.
- **Storing the Meat Mixture:** The cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen mixture in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the casserole.
- **Leftovers (Once Baked):** Unfortunately, once the nacho chips have been added and baked, the casserole is best enjoyed immediately. The chips tend to lose their crispness and become soggy if stored as leftovers. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider baking only half the dish or serving the chips separately for individual portions.
- **Reheating:** If you do have leftovers with chips, they can be reheated in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, but the chips will likely not be as crispy as fresh.
Nutrition
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More Comforting Casserole Recipes to Love
If you’re a fan of easy, hearty, and flavorful casserole dishes, you’ve come to the right place! Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a family or preparing ahead for busy days. After enjoying this delicious Beef Nacho Casserole, you might be looking for more inspiration. Here are some other fantastic casserole recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Shepherd’s Pie with Tuna
- Traybake Burgers with Pommes Duchesse
- Chicken and Leek Casserole
From creamy chicken bakes to hearty vegetable mixes, casseroles offer endless possibilities for delicious, stress-free meals. Explore our collection to find your next favorite!