If you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family, this Easy Beef Nacho Casserole is the perfect choice.
Layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, crunchy tortilla chips, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a comforting meal packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
This simple casserole is ideal for busy evenings because it comes together in less than an hour using everyday pantry staples.
Serve it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or fresh cilantro for an easy dinner that’s customizable and always a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups chunky salsa
- 1 (10-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 3/4 cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Colby cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, until it is fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chunky salsa, drained corn, creamy salad dressing, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly coated.
- Spread half of the beef mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with half of the shredded Colby cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, tortilla chips, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite nacho toppings if desired.
Chef’s Notes
- Monterey Jack cheese makes an excellent substitute for Colby if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add a can of drained black beans or diced green chiles for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve with sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, green onions, or pickled jalapeños.
- For extra crunch, reserve a handful of tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top after baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.