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Best Loaded Nacho Football Casserole for Game Day

Best Loaded Nacho Football Casserole - featured image
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This layered, baked casserole delivers all the flavor of loaded nachos without the soggy chips. Perfect for feeding a crowd on game day, it features seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips in a double-layer technique that keeps every bite satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
  • 1 bag (13-16 ounces) thick restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 cup sour cream (full fat)
  • 1 cup prepared salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, black olives, extra sour cream, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice onion and mince garlic. Open cans of beans and tomatoes.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion, breaking up meat, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning and cook 1 minute.
  4. Add undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies and drained black beans. Stir and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, spreading gently without crushing chips.
  7. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheese over the beef layer.
  8. Repeat layers: remaining chips, remaining beef mixture, and remaining 1 ½ cups cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Dollop sour cream and salsa over top. Add optional toppings as desired. Serve straight from the dish.

Notes

Use thick restaurant-style tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Let the beef mixture simmer to thicken before layering. Do not over-season the beef as chips and cheese are salty. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for best texture. For make-ahead, assemble without baking up to 24 hours in advance and add 5-8 minutes to baking time. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: nacho casserole, game day recipe, loaded nachos, football food, ground beef casserole, crowd-pleaser, easy dinner

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/best-loaded-nacho-football-casserole-for-game-day/