Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible crunch of tortilla chips, the spicy kick of seasoned ground beef, and the gooey, melted cheese that dreams are made of! Our Nacho Cheese Casserole Double Dinners are about to become your new family favorite - a Mexican-inspired masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone fighting for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can nacho cheese soup
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a slight golden color, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander, then return the meat to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ground beef and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and integrate with the meat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the nacho cheese soup and salsa, whisking together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with half of the tortilla chips, creating an even base.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the tortilla chip layer.
- Pour the nacho cheese and salsa mixture over the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Crush the remaining tortilla chips and distribute them evenly across the top of the casserole for added crunch.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Slice into portions and serve hot. Optional garnishes include chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- • For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses like pepper jack or monterey jack alongside the cheddar. • Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole. • Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier. • Want to make it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or use a hot salsa. • For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. • Customize with additional toppings like sliced black olives, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
