Loaded Nacho Casserole – A Cheesy, Hearty Family Favorite

Looking for a fun, filling, and flavorful dinner? This Loaded Nacho Casserole is packed with all the best ingredients: crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, black beans, and two kinds of melted cheese. Topped with fresh, colorful veggies like tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeños, this dish is the perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and crunchy. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

For the toppings:

• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2-3 jalapeños, sliced
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light drizzle of olive oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the seasoning and thicken.
3. Assemble the Casserole
   Layer the bottom of your prepared baking dish with the tortilla chips. Pour the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the chips. Then, sprinkle the black beans on top, followed by a generous layer of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Bake the Casserole
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
5. Add Toppings
   Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before adding the fresh toppings. Top with diced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for a fresh, flavorful finish.
6. Serve
   Drizzle some sour cream on top before serving for extra creaminess. Slice into portions and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Nacho Casserole

• Flavorful Layers: From the crispy tortilla chips to the seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, this casserole is bursting with flavors that everyone will love.
• Crunchy and Creamy: The contrast of the crispy chips and the creamy cheese, combined with the fresh toppings, makes every bite satisfying.
• Customizable: Add or remove toppings to make it your own – try olives, green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.

Pro Tips for the Best Loaded Nacho Casserole

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: If you want extra texture, you can sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an even crunchier casserole.
• Make it Spicy: If you love spice, increase the number of jalapeños, or add some diced green chilies or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Top with More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for an even cheesier casserole.

Conclusion

This Loaded Nacho Casserole is a fun, filling, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or Taco Tuesdays. With its layers of crispy chips, savory beef, and melty cheese, plus the freshness of the toppings, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Quick to make and fully customizable, this dish will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. Try it today and indulge in this cheesy, hearty favorite!