Lean ground beef, yellow onion, red pepper, taco seasoning, tomatoes, green chiles, black beans, sour cream, cool ranch Doritos, shredded Mexican blend cheese.
The “Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake” recipe has become a beloved tradition in our household. It all started a few years ago when I was looking for a way to jazz up our usual taco night. I stumbled upon a variation of this recipe and decided to give it a try, adding my own twist with the cool ranch Doritos. The first time I made it, my family couldn’t get enough of it. My kids were especially thrilled with the crunchy Dorito topping, and my spouse loved the blend of flavors. Since then, it’s been a go-to for family gatherings and casual dinners alike. The recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the memories we’ve created around our dinner table, sharing laughter and stories over this hearty, cheesy dish.
What makes this Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake special ?
The “Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake” stands out for several reasons:
- Tex-Mex Fusion: This recipe combines classic Tex-Mex flavors with a unique twist using cool ranch Doritos, offering a delightful and unexpected crunch.
- Layered Goodness: Each bite delivers layers of savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy Doritos, making it a flavor-packed experience.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that pleases both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Versatile Toppings: The customizable toppings like sour cream, salsa, and green onions allow everyone to personalize their plate.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its complex flavors, the recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What do you need to make this Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake special:
This “Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake” recipe is all about bringing together simple, flavorful ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Here are a few notes on the key components:
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. It provides a hearty base for the casserole.
- Yellow Onion and Red Pepper: These add a sweet and savory depth to the dish, complementing the spiciness of the taco seasoning.
- Taco Seasoning: This is where the Tex-Mex magic happens. Use your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
- Tomatoes and Green Chiles: These add a tangy, slightly spicy kick that brightens up the flavors.
- Black Beans: A great source of protein and fiber, they add a creamy texture to the casserole.
- Cool Ranch Doritos: The star of the show, these provide a fun, crunchy texture and a burst of flavor.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping that ties everything together.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little extra taco seasoning on the Doritos before layering them in the casserole.
Steps to make this Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake
Creating the “Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake” is a straightforward process, but it’s the little details that make it truly special.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned. Once done, drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to the stove and add the diced yellow onion and red pepper. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and the pepper is slightly tender.
- Season and Simmer: Add the taco seasoning and water (or beef broth) to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the canned tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, and sour cream until everything is well combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Layer the Casserole: Slightly crush about 1 cup of cool ranch Doritos and spread them in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the skillet mixture over the chips in an even layer. Top with another layer of crushed Doritos and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining skillet mixture, chips, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the top is starting to brown.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot, topped with sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, and a sprinkle of green onions. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake
The "Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake" recipe has become a beloved tradition in our household. It all started a few years ago when I was looking for a way to jazz up our usual taco night. I stumbled upon a variation of this recipe and decided to give it a try, adding my own twist with the cool ranch Doritos. The first time I made it, my family couldn't get enough of it. My kids were especially thrilled with the crunchy Dorito topping, and my spouse loved the blend of flavors. Since then, it's been a go-to for family gatherings and casual dinners alike. The recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the memories we’ve created around our dinner table, sharing laughter and stories over this hearty, cheesy dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper finely diced
- 1 1-ounce package taco seasoning
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 9-ounce bag Cool Ranch Doritos, slightly crushed
- 3 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Sour cream for serving
- Salsa for serving
- Green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole does not stick.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break apart the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned throughout. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Return the skillet to the stove. Add the finely diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper is tender.
- Season and Simmer:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Add the water or beef broth to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the drained tomatoes with green chilies, drained and rinsed black beans, and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Slightly crush about 1 cup of Cool Ranch Doritos and spread them evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the crushed Doritos, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the beef mixture. Add another layer of crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Top with the final layer of Doritos and the remaining cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, topped with additional sour cream, salsa, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Enjoy the rich, layered flavors of the "Cheesy Beef Nacho Bake."