Friday Night Nacho Bake with Ground Beef and Pepper Jack
A hearty baked nacho casserole that transforms classic nacho flavors into a shareable family meal. Ground beef sirloin is cooked with bell peppers and onions, then mixed with salsa and pepper Jack cheese before being topped with buttered tortilla chip crumbs and more cheese. The result is a bubbling, golden casserole with crispy edges and a creamy center that's perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions add a cool contrast to the warm, melted cheese layers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef sirloinground turkey1:1
leaner option
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated prechopped onion
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated prechopped tricolor bell pepper mix
- 1 jar (16 oz) thick & chunky mild salsa
- 1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
- 3 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese (12 oz)
- 1 bag (11 oz) tortilla chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, cooled
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (4 medium)
- sour cream(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F
- 2
Cook beef in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally
- 3
Add onion and bell peppers to beef and cook until tender, stirring occasionally
- 4
Add salsa, olives and half the cheese to beef mixture and stir gently to combine
- 5
Spoon beef mixture into ungreased glass baking dish
- 6
Place tortilla chips in resealable bag and crush with rolling pin until coarse crumbs form
- 7
Add melted butter to crushed chips, seal bag and shake until combined
- 8
Sprinkle chip mixture over beef mixture and top with remaining cheese
- 9
Bake uncovered until thoroughly heated
- 10
Let stand before serving
- 11
Top with lettuce, tomatoes and green onions before serving
Tips
Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
Crush tortilla chips to coarse crumbs rather than fine powder to maintain some texture in the topping.
Cool melted butter slightly before mixing with chips to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through.
Assemble casserole without baking, cover tightly and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
Serve hot directly from baking dish with sour cream and additional toppings as desired.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the standing time to avoid a runny casserole when serving
Avoid over-crushing chips to prevent a mushy topping
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole without the fresh toppings, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What if I don't have pepper Jack cheese?
You can substitute with Mexican cheese blend, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Pepper Jack adds heat, so adjust spice level with hot sauce if needed.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.