Save Enjoy a vibrant Tex-Mex dish featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fresh vegetables like diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, black olives, and avocado add bright flavors and textures. A dollop of creamy sour cream and fresh cilantro finishes this easy, shareable dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful snack.
The Super Bowl was on and everyone was hungry. I threw together whatever I had in the fridge and these nachos disappeared in five minutes flat. Now they are the most requested snack for every gathering.
Last summer I made these for my nieces birthday party. They were so excited about all the toppings that they barely waited for me to take photos before diving in. The plate was completely clean by the end of the movie.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: This gives the nachos real substance and the spices make it taste restaurant quality
- Tortilla chips: Choose thick sturdy chips that will not break under all those toppings
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: This combo melts beautifully and gives the best flavor
- Fresh vegetables: They add crunch and color that balances the rich cheese and meat
- Sour cream: The cool creaminess cuts through all the spice and cheese perfectly
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 200°C 400°F so it is hot when you need it.
- Cook the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef breaking it up until browned which takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Season it well:
- Stir in chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper then cook for 2 minutes.
- Layer it up:
- Arrange tortilla chips on a large ovenproof platter or baking sheet then spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips.
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle both shredded cheeses generously all over the top.
- Melt everything together:
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
- Top it fresh:
- Remove from the oven and immediately add diced tomato red onion jalapeño black olives and avocado if you want.
- Finish and serve:
- Dollop sour cream over everything sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve right away with lime wedges.
Save These nachos became our Friday night tradition after my daughter declared they were better than any restaurant version. Now we all gather around the platter and build our own perfect bites.
Making It Vegetarian
Black beans work wonderfully instead of ground beef. Just season them the same way and they will have that perfect Tex-Mex flavor everyone loves.
Perfect Cheese Every Time
Shred your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags. It melts so much better and you will notice the difference in every bite.
Serving Ideas
Set up a toppings bar and let everyone add what they love. It turns dinner into a fun activity and nobody can complain about ingredients they do not want.
- Keep extra sour cream nearby because people always want more
- Have guacamole ready for anyone who wants extra richness
- Put out hot sauce for the spice lovers in your group
Save There is something magical about hot cheesy nachos that brings people together. Make a batch tonight and watch them disappear.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
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Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt beautifully, offering rich flavor and a creamy texture that complements the seasoned beef and toppings.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
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Yes, substitute the ground beef with black beans or a plant-based alternative for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- → How do I keep the chips crispy?
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Arrange chips evenly on a baking sheet and bake just until cheese melts to prevent sogginess; serve immediately after adding toppings.
- → Can I add more heat to this dish?
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Adding pickled jalapeños or extra sliced fresh jalapeño provides extra spice and depth.
- → Are there gluten concerns with this dish?
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Check that the tortilla chips are gluten-free to avoid gluten, as some brands may contain traces.
