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Hot, crunchy and lots of melt-y cheese. I love the cold lettuce and tomato with each bite of hot beef.Why You’ll Love This Beef Nacho Casserole
Quick and easy. Uses simple ingredients and bakes in just 20 minutes.
Comforting and filling. Cheesy, hearty, and always satisfying.
Family-friendly. Even picky eaters love this one.
Make it your own. Easily adaptable with your favorite toppings.
Perfect for gatherings. A great choice for game day, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick peek at the main ingredients. (The full list and measurements are in the printable recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Chunky salsa
Corn
Miracle Whip (or substitute)
Chili powder
Shredded cheese
Crushed tortilla chips
Add-Ons & Variations
This recipe is easy to adjust based on what you have in the pantry—or the preferences of your family.
Swap the protein: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully in place of beef.
Add bean: A can of drained black beans or pinto beans adds extra fiber and flavor.
Turn up the heat: Stir in chopped green chiles or top with pickled jalapeños before serving.
Change the cheese: Try Pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different twist.
Tweak the base: Not a fan of Miracle Whip? Use sour cream, light mayo, or plain Greek yogurt instead.
Make it ahead: Assemble earlier in the day and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. (Hold off on adding crushed chips until baking time for best texture.)
Want it crunchy? Reserve some chips to sprinkle on top after baking for extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (except for the crushed chips), cover, and refrigerate up to 8 hours. Add chips just before baking so they stay crisp.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 13×9-inch baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Is this freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it before baking—just omit the chips until you’re ready to bake. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream all work well. A few extra chips on the side are always a hit.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips and check that your salsa and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Beef Nacho Casserole
Brown 1 pound ground beef in a skillet.
Drain off excess fat.
Stir in 1 jar (12 oz.) salsa, 1 cup sweet corn, 3/4 cup dressing, and 1 tablespoon chili powder.
Stir and simmer over low heat just until combined.
Layer 1/2 each of meat mixture and chips in a 2qt. casserole dish.
Repeat layers.
Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes if desired.
Beef Nacho Casserole
Equipment
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 jar 12 oz. chunky salsa
- 1 cup sweet corn thawed and drained
- 3/4 cup Miracle Whip Salad Dressing
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 2 cups 8 oz. Kraft Shredded Colby/ Monterey Jack Cheese, divided
- Shredded lettuce optional
- Chopped tomatoes optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cook the beef: Brown and drain fat.
- Combine: Stir in salsa, corn, dressing, and chili powder; simmer 2–3 min.
- Layer in a 2‑qt (or 9×9") casserole dish: half the meat mixture, half the chips, half the cheese. Repeat.
- Bake uncovered for 20 min, until bubbly.
- Serve topped with lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños; offer extra salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Notes
475-625 calories · 25-30g protein Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. Lighter options like lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, or plain Greek yogurt in place of Miracle Whip can lower the total calorie count.
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Heaven's to Betsy – this looks delicious – I had to pin it so I could make it later. Thanks for sharing!
This looks delicious. Must be a party favorite.
Amalia
xo
My mouth is anxious and ready for the delicious crunch of this casserole!
Thanks, Lorraine. This is definitely a recipe I will use for the gang of kids around here. It looks absolutely delicious AND filling. xoDiana
We would love this recipe. Thanks!
Oh yum. This looks so good
Sounds like a fun dip for March Madness too:@)