Nacho Cheese Chowder
Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, Nacho Cheese Chowder combines the rich flavors of nacho cheese with ground meat, vegetables, and corn for a comforting meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, it's a family-friendly dish that satisfies cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole, crumble the ground meat.
- Add the chopped green pepper.
- Cook in microwave, covered, on High for 2 to 3 minutes until no pink remains in the meat, stirring once or twice. Drain off the fat.
- Stir in the nacho cheese soup, skim milk, frozen corn, chopped tomato, and dried minced onion.
- Cook, covered, on High for 7 to 10 minutes or until the chowder is heated through, stirring once.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of shredded cheddar cheese or cream cheese to the chowder. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey is a great substitute for beef. You can also add some spices like chili powder or cumin for extra flavor. Frozen or canned corn can be used in place of fresh corn if that’s what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This nacho cheese chowder is delicious served with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Chili -- Quick And Easy for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side salad or some sliced avocado to balance the flavors. Toppings like sliced jalapeños or sour cream can add a nice kick.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover nacho cheese chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nacho Cheese Chowder contains roughly 575 calories, with 14g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% 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 chowder vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chowder vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and adding more vegetables, such as black beans or diced zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a richer flavor while keeping it plant-based.
How can I make this chowder spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the chowder. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder to achieve your desired spice level.
Can I freeze leftover chowder?
Yes, you can freeze the chowder for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).