Tortilla Chip Casserole That’ll Have You Scooping Seconds

There’s something magical about casseroles—they’re cozy, crowd-pleasing, and often deceptively simple. But when you take that classic comfort food format and layer it with the bold, zesty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine? Now that’s dinner worth getting excited about.

Enter the Tortilla Chip Casserole: a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed creation that turns humble pantry staples into a dish everyone will be fighting over. With layers of crushed tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, gooey cheese, and a creamy enchilada-sour cream sauce, this dish is a fiesta in a baking dish.

And the best part? It all comes together in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners.

So grab your chips and get ready to scoop—this one’s going to be a repeat on your meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunch + Creaminess: Every bite is a mix of textures, from crispy chips to melty cheese and saucy beef.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap the protein, or make it vegetarian—this casserole plays nice with what you have on hand.
• Kid-Friendly: Mild enough for younger palates, but easily spiced up for heat lovers.
• One Dish, Big Flavor: Just one casserole pan delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite nachos or taco night—without the mess.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the beef filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel), undrained
• 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)

For the creamy sauce:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Other layers:

• 6 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, or both)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let cook for 1 minute, then add the beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and corn. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

3. Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, enchilada sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will act as your creamy binder and bring everything together with a tangy kick.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Start layering in the greased baking dish:

• Layer 1: Spread 2 cups of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom.
• Layer 2: Spoon half of the beef-bean mixture evenly over the chips.
• Layer 3: Drizzle half of the creamy sauce over the beef layer.
• Layer 4: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers one more time: chips, remaining beef mixture, creamy sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and any extra toppings you love—like avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with:

• A crisp side salad with lime vinaigrette
• Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Cold cerveza or agua fresca

Leftovers and Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Note: the chips will soften slightly, but the flavor remains fantastic.

Make It Your Own

Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans—or add sautéed zucchini and bell peppers.
• Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or stir in chopped chipotle peppers in adobo.
• Breakfast twist: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage instead of beef for a brunchy version.

This Tortilla Chip Casserole is one of those magical meals that looks unassuming but totally delivers. It’s crunchy, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying—and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for that second scoop.

Let the scooping begin.