Save A crowd-pleasing platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings—perfect for sharing at parties or game nights.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my family gatherings because it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Tortilla chips: 10 oz (280 g) sturdy chips
- Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Black beans: 1 cup (150 g) canned, drained and rinsed
- Tomato: 1 medium, diced
- Pickled jalapeño slices: ½ cup (60 g)
- Sliced black olives: ½ cup (60 g), optional
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g), chopped
- Avocado: 1 medium, diced, optional
- Green onions: 2, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef breaking it up with a spoon until browned about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season Beef:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add water and simmer for 3-4 minutes until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Chips:
- Spread tortilla chips evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
- Assemble Nachos:
- Spoon seasoned beef evenly over chips then sprinkle black beans and cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomato, jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and avocado if using.
- Add Sour Cream:
- Drizzle with sour cream or serve on the side.
- Serve:
- Serve hot directly from the pan.
Save My family always gathers around the table eagerly anticipating this colorful, flavorful dish that never disappoints.
Variations
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for a lighter or vegetarian option. Add corn, diced bell peppers, or salsa for extra flavor layers.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the nachos with a crisp lager or a zesty margarita to complement the bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crispness of the chips.
Save This recipe is perfect for game day or any casual gathering, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef works best?
Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio balances flavor and moisture, though leaner options can be used for a lighter dish.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
- → How can I avoid soggy chips?
Layer the chips on a hot baking sheet and add toppings just before baking to keep them crisp and prevent sogginess.
- → What cheese melts best for this dish?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt smoothly and provide creamy, sharp flavors that complement the spices.
- → Are there recommended drink pairings?
A crisp lager or a zesty margarita pairs perfectly with the spicy and cheesy flavors, enhancing the overall experience.