Nacho Bake: A Quick and Customizable Dinner Delight
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 603.3
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Meat, Kid Friendly, Less than 60 Minutes
Description:
Looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable? Look no further than this Nacho Bake recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, this dish can be made ahead and baked when needed. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meats, crunchy veggies, or zesty sauces, this Nacho Bake has something for everyone. And with its gooey melted cheese topping and satisfying crunch from the tortilla chips, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 large onion, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 12 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup sliced black olives
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 16 ounces shredded cheese blend (such as cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 bag (16 ounces) tortilla chips
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 603.3
- Fat: 38.2g
- Saturated Fat: 15.7g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
- Sodium: 1161mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4.8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 26.3g
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the ground chuck with salt and pepper to taste. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the minced onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked, add the taco sauce (or salsa) and black beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then remove from heat.
- Layer the beef mixture in the bottom of a large baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom.
- Spread the sour cream evenly over the beef mixture. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
- Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sour cream layer. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface.
- Top the cheese with the sliced black olives and diced green pepper. Feel free to get creative with your toppings here! You can add any additional ingredients you like, such as diced tomatoes or jalapeños.
- Arrange the tortilla chips on top of the cheese and vegetable layer. You want to cover the entire surface with a single layer of chips.
- Cover the baking dish with foil. This will help the Nacho Bake cook evenly and prevent the cheese from burning.
- Bake the Nacho Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Once the initial baking time is up, remove the foil from the baking dish and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will help crisp up the edges of the chips and give the dish a delicious golden brown finish.
- Remove the Nacho Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of salsa, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy! This Nacho Bake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, while the cheese is still gooey and the chips are nice and crunchy.
Tips for Customization:
- Feel free to swap out any of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Not a fan of black olives? Leave them out! Prefer your nachos with extra cheese? Go ahead and sprinkle on some more!
- You can also add additional toppings after baking, such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced jalapeños.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or your favorite meat substitute.
- If you like your nachos spicy, consider adding some chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños to the topping layer.
Conclusion:
With its quick preparation, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors, this Nacho Bake is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So why wait? Whip up a batch tonight and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
