Beef Nachos
The ultimate shareable feast, these beef nachos feature layers of crispy tortilla chips, savory seasoned ground beef, and a generous blanket of perfectly melted cheese. Topped with fresh pico de gallo, cool sour cream, and spicy jalapeños, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or a fun weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven and prepare toppings
- a.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, chop your onion, mince the garlic, and prepare any cold toppings so they are ready for serving.
- 2
Cook the ground beef
- a.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Brown and season the beef
- a.Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Simmer the beef mixture
- a.Stir the taco seasoning and water into the cooked beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
- 5
Assemble the nachos in layers
- a.On a large, rimmed baking sheet, spread out half of the tortilla chips in a single layer. Top evenly with half of the seasoned beef mixture, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the process, creating a second layer with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese. This ensures every chip is loaded.
- 6
Bake until golden and bubbly
- a.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden brown at the edges.
- 7
Add toppings and serve immediately
- a.Carefully remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately top with pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, and sliced pickled jalapeños. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve right away for the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips. Thinner chips will break or become soggy under the weight of the toppings.
- 2Grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture when melted.
- 3For an extra crispy cheese topping, switch the oven to the broil setting for the final 30-60 seconds. Watch it very closely to prevent burning.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. Use the largest baking sheet you have to spread the chips out, ensuring more chips get direct contact with the heat and toppings.
- 5To save time, you can cook the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the ground beef with a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans. Sauté them with the onions, garlic, and taco seasoning.
Add More ToppingsAdd More Toppings
Incorporate other classic nacho toppings like black olives, guacamole, diced avocado, or a drizzle of queso dip after baking.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped serrano chile to the beef mixture along with the garlic for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amount of cheese is a great source of calcium, a vital mineral for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides B Vitamins
Beef is a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12, which is crucial for red blood cell formation and neurological health, and Niacin (B3), which helps convert food into energy.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these beef nachos contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brands of ingredients and the amount of toppings used.