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+ servings
image of fresh ground beef tortilla chips shredded cheese black beans salsa onion garlic corn sour cream tomatoes green onions taco seasoning arranged on white marble kitchen counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Ground Beef Nacho Bake

This easy ground beef nacho bake casserole transforms simple ingredients into a festive, fun feast with crispy chips, melted cheese, and savory beef – perfect for family comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Ground Beef 85/15 or 90/10 lean
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable or olive oil
  • 0.5 Yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 packet Taco seasoning or your own mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano
  • 0.5 cup Salsa mild, medium, or hot
  • 15 ounces Black beans rinsed and drained
  • 8 ounces Tortilla chips sturdy, restaurant-style, thick kind
  • 2 cups Shredded cheese mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar or Mexican blend
Optional Toppings
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for serving
  • Sliced black olives for serving
  • Diced green onions for serving
  • Sliced jalapeños fresh or pickled, for serving
  • Extra salsa or pico de gallo for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute. Pour in the ½ cup of salsa and stir well. Add the drained black beans. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Spread a single, slightly overlapping layer of tortilla chips across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  5. Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheese evenly over the beef.
  6. Add the remaining chips in a second layer. Top with the remaining beef mixture, then sprinkle the final cup of shredded cheese.
  7. Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling, and the tips of the chips are just beginning to turn golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top generously with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, olives, green onions, jalapeños, and extra salsa. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 28g

Notes

For the best texture, use sturdy tortilla chips to avoid sogginess. Drain the beef well after browning. Variations: Use ground turkey instead of beef, or add diced green chilies for spice. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to regain some crunch.
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