Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake
This Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake is a delightful and hearty dish that combines all the favorite flavors of nachos into a comforting casserole. With layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef mixed with zesty salsa, sweet corn, and creamy dressing, all topped off with crunchy tortilla chips and a generous layer of melted Colby cheese, this recipe is a surefire hit at the dinner table. It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights, taking less than an hour from start to finish. Kids will love this tasty treat, while adults will appreciate the ease of preparation - just assemble, bake, and enjoy a delicious dinner!
6
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and crumbled)
chunky salsa
1 1/2 cups (none)
whole kernel corn
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
3/4 cup (none)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed tortilla chips
2 cups (none)
Colby cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the chunky salsa, drained corn, creamy salad dressing, and chili powder until well combined.
4
In a 2-quart casserole dish, create layers: start with a portion of the beef mixture, then sprinkle a layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by a layer of shredded Colby cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
5
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake?
It is a hearty casserole dish that combines seasoned ground beef, salsa, corn, and creamy dressing, topped with crushed tortilla chips and melted Colby cheese.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include ground beef, chunky salsa, whole kernel corn, creamy salad dressing, chili powder, tortilla chips, and Colby cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What type of cheese is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded Colby cheese.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7-10 minutes until browned and fully cooked, then drain the excess grease.
What size casserole dish is required?
You will need a 2-quart casserole dish.
How do I layer the nacho bake?
Start with a portion of the beef mixture, followed by crushed tortilla chips, and then shredded Colby cheese. Repeat these layers and finish with cheese on top.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of salad dressing is recommended?
A creamy salad dressing such as Miracle Whip is recommended for this recipe.
Should the corn be drained before adding?
Yes, you should use one 10-ounce can of whole kernel corn, thoroughly drained.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, children typically love the crunchy chips and melted cheese flavors in this dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 25 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you could likely use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
Does the dish need to be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered to allow the cheese to bubble and the chips to stay crisp.
What kind of salsa should I use?
The recipe recommends 1 and 1/2 cups of chunky salsa.
What seasoning is added to the beef mixture?
One teaspoon of chili powder is used to season the beef and vegetable mixture.
Can I use different types of chips?
Yes, while crushed tortilla chips are standard, you can use your favorite variety of corn chips.
How do I know when the bake is done?
It is ready when the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to bubble, usually after 20 minutes.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is best to let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the layers set.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, as it is quick to assemble and bakes in just 20 minutes.
Can I add extra vegetables to the beef mixture?
Yes, you could easily mix in diced peppers or onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this dish.
What category of recipe is this?
This is classified as a casserole and a family-style baked dish.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, as long as the frozen corn is thawed and drained before being added to the mixture.
What makes this a 'comfort food'?
The combination of melted cheese, seasoned beef, and crunchy chips creates a warm and satisfying meal.