Ada'S Nacho Casual
A hearty and cheesy nacho casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and flavorful toppings, perfect for casual gatherings or game day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble beef and sausage into a skillet with chopped onion; sauté until the red color disappears.
- Drain off fat and season with salt to taste.
- Spread refried beans on a greased 10 x 15-inch cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with sides.
- Top with the meat mixture.
- Cover with chopped green chilies and sprinkle with grated Monterey Jack cheese.
- Drizzle taco sauce over all. This may be covered and refrigerated at this point.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder in the meat mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. You can also swap Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar if that's your preference. If you're short on time, pre-made taco seasoning can easily elevate the dish, similar to how it works in Impossibly Easy Taco Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ada's Nacho Casual with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa for an extra layer of flavor. Pair it with a mixed green salad to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe is perfect for game days or casual gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with Mexican Dip Ole for an impressive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated, ensuring the cheese is melty and delightful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ada'S Nacho Casual contains roughly 1422 calories, with 94g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (188% of the Daily Value), calcium (135% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2803mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef and sausage with plant-based alternatives or additional vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. You can also use refried black beans for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños into the meat mixture or topping the nachos before baking. You can also use spicy taco sauce or add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meat for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the layers and then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).