Baked Nachos with Ground Beef (Printable)

Crispy chips loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, beans, jalapeños, and vibrant fresh toppings for sharing.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Beef Mixture

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 pound ground beef
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/4 cup tomato sauce

→ Nachos Base

11 - 8 ounces tortilla chips

→ Cheese

12 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

14 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
15 - 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
17 - 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
18 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - 1 avocado, diced
21 - 1/2 cup sour cream
22 - 1/2 cup salsa

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F and allow to preheat fully.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking apart with a spoon, approximately 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
05 - Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the combined cheeses. Layer remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese on top.
06 - Place in preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
07 - Remove from oven and immediately distribute cherry tomatoes, black beans, olives, jalapeños, and red onion over the nachos.
08 - Garnish with cilantro and diced avocado. Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Every chip gets its fair share of cheese and beef so no one fights over the loaded corners.
  • The two cheese blend melts into a creamy golden blanket that holds everything together.
  • You can prep the beef ahead and assemble nachos in minutes when friends arrive.
  • Toppings stay fresh and vibrant because they go on after baking, not before.
02 -
  • Layer the nachos twice so the bottom chips get just as much love as the top ones.
  • Add fresh toppings after baking or they will wilt, turn soggy, and lose their color.
  • Use two kinds of cheese for the perfect balance of sharp flavor and creamy melt.
  • Dont overbake or the chips will turn bitter and the cheese will separate into oil.
03 -
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any cheese that bubbles over and prevent a smoky oven.
  • Warm the tortilla chips in the oven for a minute before layering so they stay extra crispy.
  • Drizzle a little lime juice over the finished nachos for a bright, citrusy finish that cuts the richness.
  • Serve nachos on a wooden board or parchment lined tray for a rustic, shareable presentation.
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