Spicy Southwest Nacho Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Spicy Southwest Nacho Bake. This casserole combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese, all layered beneath a crispy golden tortilla chip topping. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Topped with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, green onions, and olives, and served alongside tangy sour cream, it's a fiesta of flavors and textures in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (cooked and drained)
water
1 cup (none)
taco seasoning mix
2 (1 ounce) packages (mixed with beef)
chopped green chilies
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
refried beans
2 (16 ounce) cans (spread in the baking dish)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (sprinkled on top)
chopped tomato
1 cup (fresh, for topping)
chopped green onion
1/2 cup (for topping)
sliced ripe olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained and for topping)
gold tortilla chips
1 (12 ounce) bag (extra thick, for serving)
sour cream
to taste (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spicy Southwest Nacho Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheddar cheese with a crispy tortilla chip topping.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include lean ground beef, refried beans, taco seasoning, green chilies, shredded cheddar cheese, and gold tortilla chips.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How should the beef be prepared before assembly?
The ground beef should be cooked and thoroughly drained.
What kind of beans are used in the bake?
Two 16-ounce cans of refried beans are used as a base layer in the dish.
How is the beef seasoned?
The beef is mixed with two 1-ounce packages of taco seasoning mix and one cup of water.
What adds the spicy flavor to the dish?
The spice comes from the taco seasoning mix and a 4 1/2 ounce can of drained chopped green chilies.
What type of cheese is best for this nacho bake?
Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese are recommended for sprinkling on top.
What kind of tortilla chips should I use?
A 12-ounce bag of gold tortilla chips is suggested, preferably the extra thick variety to hold up during serving.
What fresh toppings are recommended for the finished dish?
Fresh toppings include chopped tomato, chopped green onion, and sliced ripe olives.
How much tomato is needed for the topping?
One cup of chopped fresh tomato is used as a topping.
Are olives included in the recipe?
Yes, one 2 1/4 ounce can of sliced ripe olives, drained, is used for the topping.
Is sour cream used in this recipe?
Sour cream is an optional ingredient used for serving to taste.
How much green onion should I prepare?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped green onion.
Is this dish suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is categorized as a party food and a one-dish meal, making it perfect for gatherings and game nights.
What is the texture of the Spicy Southwest Nacho Bake?
The dish features a creamy bean and beef interior with a crispy, golden tortilla chip topping.
Can I use different meat for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies lean ground beef, you could adapt it with other ground meats like turkey or chicken.
Is the taco seasoning added directly to the beef?
Yes, it is mixed with the cooked beef along with water and green chilies.
Do I need to drain the green chilies?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the chopped green chilies should be drained.
How are the refried beans layered?
The refried beans are spread into the baking dish as one of the base layers.
Is this considered a southwest-style dish?
Yes, the combination of taco seasoning, chilies, beans, and chips gives it a distinct southwest flavor profile.
What makes the topping golden and crispy?
The gold tortilla chips layered on top provide the signature golden, crunchy texture.
Is this a baking recipe?
Yes, the recipe is categorized under baking and is prepared as a casserole.
How many cans of seasoning are used?
It uses two 1-ounce packages of taco seasoning mix rather than cans.
Can I add more heat to the recipe?
Yes, you can increase the spiciness by adding more green chilies or choosing a 'hot' taco seasoning.
What size are the refried bean cans?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of refried beans.
Is this dish easy to serve?
Yes, as a one-dish casserole, it is designed for easy serving at family dinners or parties.
What are the gold tortilla chips used for?
They are used both as a crispy topping for the bake and for serving.
Is the beef cooked before putting it in the oven?
Yes, the lean ground beef must be cooked and drained before assembly.
What makes this dish ultimate comfort food?
The combination of savory beef, warm melted cheese, and creamy beans creates a satisfying and hearty meal.