These nachos are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and an array of toppings. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy family night, this Nachos Recipe is both delicious and easy to prepare. The melty cheese and fresh toppings create a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This nachos recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor-Packed: With seasoned beef and a variety of toppings, every bite bursts with flavor that satisfies any craving.
- Customizable: Adjust the toppings to suit your preferences! Use different meats or add extra veggies for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serving 8 people, this dish is great for parties or family dinners where everyone can dig in together.
- Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a game day snack, movie night treat, or festive gathering, these nachos fit right in!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this nachos recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will help you work efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the ground beef evenly and preventing overcrowding.
- Baking sheet: A light-colored baking sheet helps achieve perfectly melted cheese without burning the chips.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your nachos.
Ingredients
These nachos are loaded with seasoned ground beef and refried beans, melted cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, olives, guacamole, and more! Be sure to serve this with salsa and sour cream!
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning (see notes/pro tips)
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
Toppings
- 14 oz. tortilla chips (thick/sturdy chips work best. See notes)
- 3 ¾ cups freshly shredded cheese (see notes)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (I use red + green)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (sliced)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onions
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives (sliced)
- 2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons cilantro (roughly chopped)
Condiments
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
How to Make Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Measure all of the ingredients before beginning; the recipe goes super quick from there!
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook and crumble for 7–10 minutes until the beef is brown and cooked through.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning to the pan; stir in water.
- Bring mixture to a boil until thickened; reduce heat to simmer.
- Stir in the refried beans until well combined and heated through.
Step 3: Layer the Nachos
- Spread half of the chips in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
- Distribute half of the meat mixture over the chips in scoops along the sides.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
Step 4: Build Your Nacho Tower
- Top with remaining chips followed by remaining meat mixture and cheese.
- Add bell peppers, jalapenos, red onions, and black olives on top.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty
Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove from the oven; sprinkle with tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
Top with a generous scoop of guacamole and serve with salsa and sour cream!
How to Serve Nachos Recipe
Serving nachos can be a fun and creative experience. They are perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or casual meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your nacho experience.
Pair with Dips
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole adds richness that complements the crunchy chips.
- Salsa: Fresh salsa provides a zesty kick and balances the heaviness of the cheese.
- Sour Cream: Cool and tangy, sour cream is perfect for cutting through the spice of jalapenos.
Add Extra Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
- Sliced Jalapenos: For those who love heat, extra jalapenos can spice things up.
- Diced Onions: Fresh diced onions add crunch and a sharp bite.
Create a Nacho Bar
- Build-Your-Own Nachos: Set out bowls of toppings like olives, bell peppers, and proteins so guests can customize their plates.
- Themed Nights: Incorporate different themes by using various meats or sauces to match the occasion.
How to Perfect Nachos Recipe
Perfecting your nachos recipe can take your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your nachos are always a hit.
- Use Quality Chips: Choose thick and sturdy tortilla chips that won’t break under the weight of toppings.
- Layering is Key: Layering ingredients allows each chip to be topped equally, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Melt Cheese Properly: Bake until cheese bubbles for that gooey texture everyone loves.
- Keep Ingredients Warm: Serve warm ingredients on top of hot chips to maintain an enjoyable eating temperature.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies enhance flavor and provide crunch that contrasts beautifully with melted cheese.
Best Side Dishes for Nachos Recipe
Complementing your nachos with side dishes can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice makes for a tasty side.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans can serve as both a side dish and an additional topping.
- Rice Salad: A light rice salad with lime dressing offers freshness alongside rich nachos.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with chicken or vegetables make for excellent handheld sides.
- Chili con Carne: A hearty chili pairs well with nachos, adding warmth and depth to the meal.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to cheesy nachos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your nachos recipe, several common pitfalls can diminish your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
Using Too Thin Chips: If you select flimsy chips, they will break under the weight of toppings. Always opt for thick, sturdy tortilla chips for the best nachos.
Overloading with Toppings: While it may be tempting to pile on all your favorite toppings, too many can make the nachos soggy. Aim for a balanced layer of toppings to maintain crunchiness.
Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven melting of cheese. Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
Neglecting Cheese Quality: Using pre-shredded cheese can lead to a less creamy texture. Freshly shred your cheese for a melty and flavorful finish.
Skipping the Seasoning: Failing to season your meat properly can leave your nachos bland. Use taco seasoning or spices generously for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover nachos in an airtight container.
- They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Nachos Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
- If you must freeze, store the toppings separately and only freeze plain chips.
Reheating Nachos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but expect sogginess.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat until warmed; cover with a lid for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious nachos recipe:
What is the best cheese for nachos?
The best cheese includes freshly shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both. They melt beautifully and add excellent flavor.
Can I customize my nachos recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different proteins like chicken or beans and any veggies you prefer such as corn or avocado.
How do I make vegetarian nachos?
Simply replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils. Load up on veggies and cheese for a satisfying meal.
What dips go well with nachos?
Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classic options that complement this nachos recipe perfectly.
Can I prepare nachos ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients like meat and toppings ahead of time but assemble and bake them just before serving for freshness.
Final Thoughts
This nachos recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings to suit any occasion or preference. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these loaded nachos are sure to delight everyone at the table!
Nachos Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy-to-make Nachos Recipe, perfect for game nights, parties, or cozy family dinners. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and an array of fresh toppings, these nachos deliver a flavor explosion that everyone will love. The gooey melted cheese and crunchy tortilla chips create a satisfying texture that makes them irresistible. Customize your nachos with your favorite toppings to cater to any crowd and make every occasion memorable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
- 14 oz. tortilla chips
- 3 ¾ cups shredded cheese
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 jalapeno pepper (sliced)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onions
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons cilantro (roughly chopped)
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and taco seasoning; stir in water and simmer until thickened. Mix in refried beans until heated.
- Layer half of the chips on a baking sheet, followed by half of the meat mixture and cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Top with bell peppers, jalapenos, onions, and olives.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with tomatoes and green onions; serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
