Fiesta Nacho Bake
Embark on a culinary adventure with our Fiesta Nacho Bake, a delightful one-dish meal inspired by an unforgettable kitchen misadventure. When my spirited 6-year-old turned a bag of tortilla chips into a dance floor, little did we know it would lead to a sensational recipe! This vibrant casserole layers seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, sweet corn, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is not just a meal—it's a celebration that brings the family together around the table with laughter and flavor. Get ready for a fiesta of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
8
Servings
475
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
2 lbs (browned and drained)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Taco Seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (as is)
Water
1 1/2 cups (as is)
Salsa
2 (16 ounce) jars (as is (we used Sam's Choice black bean & corn salsa from Wal-Mart))
Corn Kernels
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Cheddar Cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Danced-on Tortilla Chips
1 (8 ounce) bag (as is)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and drain any excess fat.
3
Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4
Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and salsa, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
In the prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients: start with a portion of the meat mixture at the bottom, followed by a layer of shredded cheese, and then a layer of crushed tortilla chips. Repeat this process for a total of three layers, finishing with a final layer of cheese.
6
Sprinkle the drained corn evenly over the middle layer of meat for added sweetness and texture.
7
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.
8
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve that perfect golden cheese finish.
9
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced olives, or taco sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
35g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiesta Nacho Bake?
Fiesta Nacho Bake is a vibrant one-dish meal layered with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, sweet corn, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 pounds of ground beef.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving of Fiesta Nacho Bake?
Each serving contains approximately 475 calories.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 30 minutes: 25 minutes covered and 5 minutes uncovered.
Should I drain the ground beef after browning?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
How much salsa is needed?
You will need two 16-ounce jars of salsa.
What kind of salsa was used in the original recipe?
The recipe mentions using Sam's Choice black bean and corn salsa.
How many layers does the casserole have?
The dish is layered three times with meat mixture, cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a child dancing on a bag of tortilla chips, turning them into crumbs.
Is the baking dish sprayed with oil?
Yes, lightly spray the bottom of the baking dish before assembly.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 35 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of fat.
What size onion should be used?
One small onion, chopped, is used in the recipe.
When do I add the corn?
Sprinkle the drained corn evenly over the middle layer of meat.
How long do I simmer the meat mixture?
Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What are some suggested toppings?
Optional garnishes include sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced olives, or taco sauce.
How much water is added to the meat mixture?
You should add 1.5 cups of water to the meat mixture.
How much taco seasoning is used?
The recipe uses one 1.25 ounce envelope of taco seasoning.
Do I need to crush the tortilla chips?
Yes, the recipe uses crushed tortilla chips for the layers.
How many ounces of tortilla chips are needed?
One 8-ounce bag of tortilla chips is required.
What is the first step in assembling the dish?
Start by placing a portion of the meat mixture at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Can I use canned corn?
Yes, use one 15-ounce can of corn kernels, drained.
What category of meal is this?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
What should I do after the cheese starts bubbling?
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a golden cheese finish.