Nacho Average Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional nachos, combining the best of both worlds: the heartiness of a casserole and the zesty flavors of classic nachos. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a family dinner.
The Story
This recipe is inspired by the love of nachos and the convenience of a casserole. It offers a unique way to enjoy the familiar taste of nachos in a form that’s easy to serve and share, making it a hit for any occasion.
Why You Should Make
This casserole is a great choice for those looking for a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. It’s easy to make and can be a fun way to involve the whole family in the cooking process.
How to Serve
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. It’s a standalone dish that can also be accompanied by a side salad or corn on the cob.
How to Store
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of salsa and cheese according to your taste.
Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Crisco olive oil
- 1/4 pound pre-sliced sweet red peppers
- 1/4 pound pre-sliced sweet yellow peppers
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick’s garlic salt
- 2 tubes (10 ounces each) refrigerated pizza dough
- 3 cups shredded Kraft taco-cheese blend
- 1 jar (16 ounces) Pace medium-hot salsa
- 1 can (2.2 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
- 3 large scallions, trimmed and sliced
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red and yellow pepper strips, sautéing until they are tender.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and season with garlic salt.
- Press one tube of pizza dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching it to fit.
- Layer half of the cooked beef and pepper mixture over the dough, followed by half of the cheese, half of the salsa, and half of the olives.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, starting with the second tube of pizza dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced scallions before serving.
Cook Notes
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom layer of pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute.
- Spicy Nacho Casserole: Add jalapeños or a hotter salsa for extra spice.
Keto Version
- Replace the pizza dough with a keto-friendly crust made from almond flour and cheese.
- Use a low-carb salsa and reduce the quantity of black olives.
Low-Carb Version
- Use a low-carb pizza crust alternative.
- Opt for lower-carb cheese options.
Nutrition Information
Each serving approximately contains (serves 8):
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation modifications.)
