A layered nacho casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, corn, and crushed tortilla chips under melted Colby cheese is designed to go from prep to table in 40 minutes. The recipe serves six and calls for 15 minutes of preparation and 25 minutes of cooking, including about 20 minutes of baking time.
The dish starts by browning one pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes. After draining the fat, the cook stirs in 1½ cups of chunky salsa, a 10-ounce can of drained whole kernel corn, ¾ cup of creamy salad dressing such as Miracle Whip, and one teaspoon of chili powder.
The oven is preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, half of the beef mixture goes down first, followed by half of the two cups of crushed tortilla chips and half of the two cups of Colby cheese. Those layers are repeated once more.
The casserole bakes uncovered until heated through and the cheese melts, about 20 minutes. Each serving contains 497 calories, 34 grams of fat, 24 grams of carbohydrates, and 26 grams of protein, according to the provided nutrition facts.
The recipe relies on pantry staples and a single skillet for the beef, with the casserole dish doing the rest of the work in the oven. The layered assembly means the tortilla chips soften slightly under the beef mixture and cheese, creating a texture similar to nachos but baked as a single dish.
For families looking for a quick dinner, the 40-minute total time and six servings make it a candidate for weeknight rotation. The ingredient list is short: ground beef, salsa, canned corn, creamy salad dressing, chili powder, tortilla chips, and Colby cheese. No additional seasonings or toppings are specified in the recipe.
The recipe does not include variations or make-ahead instructions. The nutrition facts are provided per serving and reflect the ingredients as listed.
Editorial Notes