Best 2 Nacho Cheese Casserole Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Nacho cheese casserole is a delectable and versatile dish that combines the irresistible flavors of nacho cheese, hearty pasta, and a medley of delectable toppings. This tantalizing casserole boasts a rich and creamy nacho cheese sauce, which envelops tender pasta in a blanket of cheesy goodness. Layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and crisp bell peppers add depth and texture, while a sprinkling of crunchy tortilla chips and gooey melted cheese provide the perfect finishing touch. With its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, nacho cheese casserole is sure to be a hit at any gathering, whether it's a casual family dinner or a festive potluck.

The recipes in this article offer a variety of takes on this classic dish, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. From a classic nacho cheese casserole with ground beef to a vegetarian version packed with roasted vegetables, there's a recipe here for everyone. You'll also find a slow-cooker nacho cheese casserole recipe, perfect for busy weeknights, and a gluten-free nacho cheese casserole recipe for those with dietary restrictions. With so many delicious options to choose from, you'll never get bored of this comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

NACHO CHEESE CASSEROLE



Nacho Cheese Casserole image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 1h15m

Yield 16 total servings (8 servings per pan)

Number Of Ingredients 21

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
One 28-ounce can enchilada sauce
One 10-ounce can enchilada sauce
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 pounds ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking dishes
One 15-ounce bag nacho cheese-flavored chips, such as Doritos
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded romaine
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced black olives
3 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • For the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the vegetable oil and flour. Cook, whisking, until it begins to bubble; let it bubble for 1 minute. Pour in the enchilada sauce, chicken broth, cumin and some salt and pepper. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer while you prepare the meat.
  • For the meat: Brown the ground beef with the garlic and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain the fat and stir in the cumin and salt to combine. Stir the meat into the simmering sauce and shut off the heat.
  • For the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease one 9-by-13-inch aluminum foil baking dish and one 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Break up the chips by crushing the bag slightly with your hands. Make sure not to over crush the chips; you're looking for pieces, not crumbs. Mix together the cheeses in a medium bowl.
  • Divide a third of the broken chips between the prepared baking dishes. Top each with a quarter of the beef mixture and 2/3 cup of the cheese. Repeat, adding another layer of chips, beef mix and cheese to each. Finish by dividing the remaining chips between the baking dishes. Top each with 2/3 cup cheese.
  • Cover the glass baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until bubbly, another 15 to 20 minutes.
  • For the toppings: Top the cooked casserole with the shredded romaine, diced Roma tomatoes, sour cream and sliced black olives and green onions before serving.
  • Allow the aluminum foil baking dish to cool completely while the other is baking. Once cool, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Transfer to the freezer.
  • To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Unwrap the baking dish and re-cover with foil. Bake, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes. Uncover and bake until bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with another batch of the toppings.

CROCK POT NACHO CHEESE POTATO CASSEROLE



Crock Pot Nacho Cheese Potato Casserole image

My family just loves these potatoes. They are quick to prepare since you buy prepared sliced potatoes.

Provided by Audrey M

Categories     Potato

Time 4h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ounces lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
11 ounces condensed nacho cheese soup
4 ounces diced green chili peppers
1/2 cup milk
1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated sliced potatoes
sour cream (optional)
salsa (optional)
sliced green onion (optional)
nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

  • Cook ground beef on top of stove or microwave; drain off fat.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine soup, undrained chile peppers and milk; blend well.
  • Lightly spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Layer half of potatoes, cooked ground beef and soup mixture.
  • Repeat process.
  • Cook on low for 4 hours or on High for 2 1/2 hours or until potatoes are done.
  • Gently stir before serving.
  • Top with sour cream, salsa and/or sliced green onions.
  • If you are unable to find Nacho cheese soup, you can add melted Mexican cheese to regular cheese soup, use a Nacho cheese sauce or just use melted Mexican Velveeta cheese.

Tips:

  • To achieve the perfect creamy texture, use a combination of Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and milk.
  • Enhance the flavor by adding a can of diced green chilies, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • For a crispy topping, use crushed tortilla chips or a combination of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, to create a unique flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or crumbled tofu.
  • To save time, use a pre-made nacho cheese sauce instead of making it from scratch.

Conclusion:

This nacho cheese casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its creamy, cheesy filling, crispy topping, and flavorful ingredients, it's a surefire hit with people of all ages. Feel free to customize it to your liking by adjusting the level of spiciness, adding different types of cheese, or incorporating your favorite toppings. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a side dish, this nacho cheese casserole is guaranteed to be a hit.

Related Topics