Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Bake combines tortilla chips, ground beef, taco seasoning in a hearty oven-baked dish with a warm, generous filling. It is a practical way to bring the main components of dinner together in one baking dish.
The key is to prepare the components before assembly, then bake just long enough to heat the center and finish the topping. The amounts below make approximately 6 servings. Oven times are a guide: the depth of the dish and whether the filling starts warm or chilled affect the final cooking time.
Recipe overview
- Servings: approximately 6
- Preparation: about 20–25 minutes, plus any separate cooking or thawing
- Oven temperature: 400°F
- Equipment: 9-by-13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl and skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- Tortilla chips — 4 cups
- Ground beef — 1 lb
- Taco seasoning — 1 tablespoon, or to taste
- Nacho cheese sauce — 2 cups
- Shredded cheddar — 1 1/2 cups, shredded or thinly sliced
- Jalapeños — 1, seeded and chopped
- Salsa — 1 1/2 cups
- Salt, to taste after adding sauces and cheese
Preparation notes
Brown the ground meat or sausage fully in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat before mixing it with the sauce and other filling ingredients.
Directions
Prepare the components as described above before assembling the dish.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lay out a generous layer of tortilla chips in a baking dish.
- Top those chips with your deliciously cooked and seasoned ground beef, drizzle on the nacho cheese sauce, and sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar on top.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until everything is melty and irresistible.
Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for a better bake
- Spread the filling evenly in the dish and check the center as well as the edges. A golden topping can be ready before the filling underneath is hot.
What to serve with it
Pair the bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Serve from both the edge and the center so every portion includes some of the topping and the saucy filling.
Make-ahead and leftovers
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate promptly in covered containers. Assemble when ready to bake. A chilled dish needs additional oven time; cover loosely at first if the topping colors before the center heats. Warm individual portions covered to help retain moisture. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the cheese?
Choose another cheese with a similar melting texture, keeping the total amount about the same. Use hard grating cheese for flavor rather than replacing all of the softer melting cheese.
How can I prevent a dry filling?
Do not overcook the components before assembly. Keep the filling covered for part of baking if the surface is drying before the center heats. Stop baking once the filling is hot and the topping is ready, then allow a short rest before serving.
Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Tortilla chips
- 1 lb Ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or sausage.
- 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning Adjust to taste.
- 2 cups Nacho cheese sauce
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar Can be shredded or thinly sliced.
- 1 Jalapeño Seeded and chopped.
- 1.5 cups Salsa Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Salt To taste after adding sauces and cheese.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground meat fully in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat before mixing it with the sauce and other filling ingredients.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lay out a generous layer of tortilla chips in a baking dish.
- Top those chips with your cooked and seasoned ground beef, drizzle on the nacho cheese sauce, and sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar on top.
- Place it in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until everything is melty.
- Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
