Meatless Nacho Skillet Casserole
A hearty, flavorful vegetarian casserole featuring seasoned beans, corn, and cheese, topped with crispy tortilla chips — perfect for quick, satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and chopped onion.
- Drain well and stir in sugar, oregano leaves, chili powder, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and corn.
- Simmer for 10 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until moisture is absorbed.
- Sprinkle tortilla chips over the mixture and top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans. Adjust chili powder based on your spice preference. If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving. This dish can also incorporate different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. For a twist, try using nacho-flavored tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this nacho skillet casserole with a side of guacamole and sour cream for added creaminess. Fresh salsa or diced avocados can also enhance the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal. For more easy meals, browse other Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Nacho Skillet Casserole contains roughly 1567 calories, with 65g protein, 227g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), iron (134% of the Daily Value), and protein (131% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1391mg per serving (60% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the tortilla chips and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add the chips and cheese just before baking to maintain their texture.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
You can substitute kidney beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Each type of bean adds a different flavor and texture, so feel free to choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure that the tomato sauce and any other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without gluten.
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).