Ultimate Loaded Beef Nacho Casserole
You know those nights when you want dinner to feel fun — like something you’d order at your favorite casual spot — but you also want it easy and cozy at home? This Ultimate Loaded Beef Nacho Casserole is exactly that. It’s warm, cheesy, crunchy, and unapologetically comforting. The kind of meal you bring to the table in the baking dish and everyone instantly starts grabbing a scoop.
It’s got that irresistible combo of crispy tortilla chips, seasoned beef, and melty cheese that bubbles around the edges. Then you finish it with cool sour cream and fresh tomatoes on top, so every bite has that perfect hot-and-cold contrast. It’s a little messy, very satisfying, and basically guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
1 large bag (12–14 ounces) tortilla chips
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
1/2 cup water
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh toppings:
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Optional: sliced jalapeños or green onions
Instructions
Preheat and prep.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the chips don’t stick around the edges.Cook the beef.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain off excess grease.Add onion and garlic.
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.Season it up.
Add the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the beef.Start the layers.
Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer in the baking dish.Add beef and cheese.
Spoon half of the seasoned beef over the chips. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack.Repeat.
Add the remaining chips, then the rest of the beef, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.Bake until bubbly.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to look lightly golden in spots.Top it fresh.
Let it cool for about 5 minutes so it sets a little. Then add dollops of sour cream, scatter over diced tomatoes, and finish with chopped herbs. Add jalapeños or green onions if you want a little extra kick and crunch.Serve warm.
Scoop it up and serve right away. It’s at its best while the cheese is still stretchy and the chips still have some crunch.
Presentation Tips
For a “loaded nachos” look, don’t spread the sour cream everywhere — do little dollops across the top so it looks inviting (and everyone can grab a bite with some). Sprinkle tomatoes and herbs right before serving so they stay bright and fresh. If you’re using jalapeños or green onions, add them at the end for that crisp pop and a pretty pop of color.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: ~550 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
This casserole is comfort food with a party vibe — easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and topped with just enough freshness to keep you coming back for another scoop. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this one hits the spot every time.
If you’ve got chips, beef, and cheese… you’re dangerously close to making this tonight.