Nachos Supreme with Sour Cream

The first time I made these nachos was for a Super Bowl party, and honestly, I wasnt expecting them to disappear so fast. My friend Sarah actually stood by the platter and guarded it like it was her personal mission to ensure she got the last cheesy chip. Now theyre my go-to whenever I need something that makes people gather around the kitchen island and forget about being polite.

Last summer, my teenage nephew and his friends came over unexpectedly, and I threw these together in a panic. They were so impressed that they started calling me the nacho queen, which Im pretty sure is the highest compliment a fourteen-year-old can pay. Now whenever they visit, the first question is always whether the nacho queen is on duty.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The 300g portion gives you enough meaty bites without overwhelming the chips, and breaking it up thoroughly while cooking prevents those dry, clumpy chunks that nobody wants on their nachos.
• Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps the beef brown beautifully and keeps those spices from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
• Spice blend: The combination of cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates that classic taco flavor everyone recognizes immediately.
• Tortilla chips: Choose sturdy chips that can hold up under the weight of toppings, and go gluten-free if you need to without sacrificing any crunch.
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack: Using both cheeses gives you the sharp bite of cheddar mixed with the incredible melt of Jack, creating the perfect cheese pull.
• Fresh toppings: The tomato, red onion, jalapeño, olives, cilantro, and avocado add those bright, fresh flavors that cut through all that rich cheese and meat.
• Sour cream: A generous dollop on top cools everything down and adds that tangy creaminess that ties all the flavors together.

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 200°C (400°F) so its roaring hot and ready to melt that cheese the moment your nachos are assembled.

Cook the beef:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and break it up constantly while cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until it is beautifully browned and no longer pink anywhere.

Add the magic:

Stir in all those spices and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen smells absolutely incredible, then remove from heat.

Build the foundation:

Spread your tortilla chips evenly over a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet, making sure you have a single layer with some overlap so every chip gets topped.

Layer it up:

Distribute the seasoned beef over the chips, then shower everything with both shredded cheeses, ensuring some cheese lands on practically every single chip.

Melt it all together:

Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots.

Pile on the fresh stuff:

Scatter the diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño slices, black olives, cilantro, and avocado all over the hot, cheesy base.

The grand finale:

Add generous dollops of sour cream across the top and serve immediately while everything is still hot and the cheese is at its most melty.

Save

My daughter now requests these for her birthday dinner every year instead of cake, which I think says everything about how good they are. Theres something about building your own perfect bite from a platter that brings out the kid in everyone.

Making Them Vegetarian

Swapping in black beans or refried beans for the ground beef works beautifully, and I actually prefer the earthiness beans bring to the party sometimes. Just season them exactly the same way and nobody will feel like they are missing out on anything.

Customizing The Heat

Some nights I leave out the fresh jalapeño entirely and let people add their own hot sauce at the table. Other times I go all in with pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of spicy salsa because the contrast between hot and cool is what makes nachos so addictive.

Serving Suggestions

Lime wedges on the side are non-negotiable in my house because that squeeze of acidity cuts through the richness and brightens every single bite. I also like to have extra sour cream within reach because somehow there is never enough.

• Set up a toppings bar and let people build their own perfect nacho plate
• Keep a batch of guacamole handy for anyone who wants extra creaminess
• Have napkins ready because these are definitely a two-hands kind of meal

Save

Watching people crowd around a platter of these nachos, reaching past each other to get the perfect loaded chip, might just be one of my favorite things about cooking. Theres something universally happy about nacho night.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortilla chips to ensure the dish suits gluten-free diets without compromising taste.

→ Can I substitute the meat for a vegetarian option?

Yes, black beans or refried beans make excellent meat alternatives, providing similar texture and protein.

→ What spices enhance the flavor of the seasoned beef?

Ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder create a robust and aromatic seasoning blend.

→ How can I add more heat to this platter?

Include sliced jalapeños, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of spicy salsa to raise the spice level.

→ What tools are essential for preparing this dish?

A large skillet for cooking, an oven-safe platter or baking sheet for layering, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and spatula are needed.