Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Nacho Bake
Indulge in the Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Nacho Bake, a fan-favorite twist on classic nachos! Bursting with bold flavors from savory bulk sausage, fresh diced tomatoes, and a zesty picante sauce, this dish is sure to please any crowd. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and creamy avocado, these nachos make the perfect appetizer or leisurely lunch for game day, parties, or casual gatherings. Whether shared with friends or savored alone, this recipe is an irresistibly cheesy delight that will have everyone coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulk pork sausage
3/4 lb (crumbled)
chopped onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
diced fresh tomatoes
3 cups (divided)
picante sauce
3/4 cup (none)
tortilla chips
4 cups (none)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups (divided)
ripe avocado
1 medium (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the pork sausage and add the chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, draining any excess fat.
2
Stir in 2 cups of diced tomatoes and the picante sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened.
3
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a 12-inch pizza pan. Generously top the chips with 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, followed by the sausage mixture, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5
Remove from the oven and top with the diced avocado and the remaining diced tomatoes for a fresh finish.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Nacho Bake?
The Ultimate Cheesy Sausage Nacho Bake is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or lunch featuring savory sausage, melted Monterey Jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, and creamy avocado over crispy tortilla chips.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 pound of bulk pork sausage, which is browned and crumbled with onions.
How much cheese do I need for these nachos?
You will need 3 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, which is divided and used for both the middle layer and the top topping.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe uses 3 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, divided between the cooked meat mixture and the fresh topping added after baking.
What is the first step in preparing the meat mixture?
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the pork sausage and add the chopped onion, cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, the instructions specify draining any excess fat after the sausage and onions are browned.
How long should the sausage mixture simmer?
The mixture of sausage, tomatoes, and picante sauce should simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Why is the meat mixture simmered for 20 minutes?
Simmering allows most of the liquid to evaporate and the mixture to thicken, which helps prevent the tortilla chips from becoming soggy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of pan should I use for baking?
A 12-inch pizza pan is recommended for spreading the tortilla chips in an even layer.
How many cups of tortilla chips are used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of tortilla chips.
How are the nachos layered before baking?
Layer the chips on the pan, top with 2 cups of cheese, then the sausage mixture, and finally the remaining cheese.
How long do the nachos need to bake?
Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I know when the nachos are finished baking?
The nachos are ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
What toppings are added after baking?
After removing from the oven, top the nachos with diced avocado and the remaining fresh diced tomatoes.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
While the recipe calls for picante sauce, you can use your favorite salsa as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This specific recipe contains pork sausage, but it could be made vegetarian by using a plant-based sausage substitute or seasoned black beans.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving in this nacho bake.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size avocado should I use?
One medium-sized ripe avocado is perfect for dicing and topping the nachos.
Can I add extra spice to this recipe?
Yes, you can use a hot picante sauce or add sliced jalapeños to increase the heat level.
What occasion is this dish best for?
It is ideal for game days, parties, casual gatherings, or a leisurely weekend lunch.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is savory, cheesy, and zesty, with a mix of warm meat and fresh vegetable toppings.
Can the sausage mixture be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time and reheat it slightly before assembling the nachos.
Is this recipe considered Tex-Mex?
Yes, with ingredients like picante sauce, tortilla chips, and Monterey Jack cheese, it falls under the Tex-Mex category.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: pork sausage, onion, tomatoes, picante sauce, tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, and avocado.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the skillet with the sausage.