Loaded Beef Nacho Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 large bag (13–15 oz) tortilla chips
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup diced pickled jalapeños
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the onion until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
5. Mix in taco seasoning, water, salt, and pepper; simmer a few minutes until thickened.
6. Layer half the tortilla chips in the baking dish, then top with half the beef mixture, half the salsa, and half of both cheeses.
7. Repeat layering with remaining chips, beef, salsa, and cheese.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and top immediately with diced tomatoes and jalapeños.
10. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
11. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa as desired.