Description
A sturdy, no-fail recipe for loaded nachos that stays crisp and doesn’t collapse under the weight of toppings. Perfect for game day, this dish uses a layered approach with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large bag (about 200g) thick-cut tortilla chips
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) queso blanco sauce
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 stalks green onions, sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon until browned. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
- Return beef to the pan. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is soft.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat.
- Spread tortilla chips in an even single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Jack cheese evenly over the beef, covering the edges of the chips.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and chip edges are lightly toasted.
- Remove from oven. Drizzle warm queso blanco sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle black beans, jalapeños, and half of the green onions over the nachos.
- Return to oven for 2 minutes to warm toppings (optional).
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and remaining green onions.
- Serve immediately with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.
Notes
Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent soggy chips. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Use thick-cut chips for structural integrity. Do not bake sour cream or salsa; add them after baking. For best results, serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: nachos, game day food, football snacks, ground beef nachos, party appetizer, easy recipe, crowd pleaser