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Easy Loaded Nacho Tailgate Casserole

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This easy loaded nacho tailgate casserole is the ultimate game-day dish, featuring seasoned beef, black beans, and a mountain of melted cheese on crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing comfort food that comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
  • 1 bag (13-16 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the seasoning and wet ingredients: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles and the drained black beans. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Start layering: Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Add the first layer of meat and cheese: Spoon half of the beef and bean mixture over the chips. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
  7. Repeat the layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips, then the rest of the beef mixture, and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Let it rest: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the layers to set.
  10. Add the toppings: Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with sliced black olives, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if using. Serve hot.

Notes

Use sturdy restaurant-style tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help layers set. For best cheese melt, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded. If the beef mixture seems too liquidy, simmer longer to reduce.

Nutrition

Keywords: nacho casserole, tailgate recipe, game day food, easy dinner, ground beef casserole, loaded nachos

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-loaded-nacho-tailgate-casserole-best-party-recipe/