Looking for a simple and frugal recipe to make on busy weeknights? Try this easy layered nacho casserole to please even the pickiest of eaters.
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Finding easy recipes that are also budget-friendly can be a challenge, especially ones that the whole family will enjoy. So, when I find a recipe that my family asks me to make over and over, I know I’ve found a winner.
This easy layered nacho casserole has been highly requested in our home ever since I decided to change up our normal taco salad recipe. I had the idea to make a taco casserole with layers (similar to how you make lasagna). It was an instant hit.
If you are looking for more tasty ground beef dinner ideas, here are 35 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinner Ideas.
The best thing about this recipe is that it can be completely customized. Since I have a few picky eaters in my household, we tend to keep things really simple. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t add a few extra ingredients if you would like. For this layered nacho casserole, I’ve included a few add-ons that you may enjoy.
Do you want to save money on your groceries?
How to Make a Layered Nacho Casserole
Since we like to keep this recipe as simple as possible, it takes very few ingredients. For this quick and frugal recipe, you will need:
Ingredients for Layered Nacho Casserole
- taco seasoning
- salsa
- ground beef
- cheddar or Colby-jack cheese
- round tortilla chips
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- sour cream
optional ingredients include:
- corn
- black beans
- refried beans
- onions
- guacamole
To make this layered nacho casserole, you want to start by preheating your oven to 350° Then begin browning 1lb. of ground beef in a skillet until it’s cooked through. Add taco mix (just as if you were preparing tacos) and cook as directed on the packet.
While the meat mixture is simmering, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and then add the first layer of tortilla chips to the bottom. Add a layer of the ground beef mixture (just as you would when making a lasagna) Then, top with salsa and then sprinkle your cheese over the salsa.
Repeat this layer and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool and then cut into squares and top with lettuce, sour cream, and any other of your favorite taco toppings.
Do you want more simple casserole recipes to make on busy weeknights?
Layered Nacho Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 18 ounce bag of tortilla chips divided
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 ounce packet of taco seasoning mix
- 24 ounce jar of salsa mild or medium
- 16 ounce shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream
- Optional toppings: onions, corn, black beans, refried beans, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Grease 9x13 inch baking dish, then set aside.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until brown. Add taco seasoning mix and cook according to directions on packet.
- Add the first layer of tortilla chips to the baking dish, Spread ½ of the ground beef mixture over the chips. Layer with ½ jar of salsa and sprinkle a ½ bag of cheese on top. Repeat this process one more time.
- Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Let cool, and then cut into squares and top with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and any optional toppings.
Notes
- If you want more than two layers, you can only use 1/3 of the ground beef mixture, chips, salsa, and cheese to get an extra layer.
- Try nacho or ranch-flavored tortilla chips to add even more flavor.
- You can use any type of cheese you like. Sometimes, we use a combination of Colby-Jack and Medium Cheddar, and other times just Cheddar.
- Try using ground chicken or turkey and low-fat cheese and sour cream for a healthier option.
- If you want to add corn, refried beans, or black beans, you can mix them with the salsa before you layer the casserole.
- Do you have leftovers? Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Looking for more easy meal ideas to try?
- Best 20-Minute Meals for Busy Weeknights–easy dinners that take less than 20 minutes your family will love.
- 22 Quick and Easy Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights- Tasty pasta recipes that take very little prep work the whole family will love.
- 26 Quick and Easy Pork Recipes– Simple pork recipes that are so delicious they will please the pickiest of eaters.
- 27 Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Meals– best meals for busy weeknights at home when you don’t have time to cook.
- 28 Easy Shortcut Rotisserie Chicken Recipes– quick meals you can make out of a $5 rotisserie chicken.
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