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Nachos Recipe

Nachos Recipe

These loaded nachos are the perfect comfort food featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, refried beans, and fresh toppings. Perfect for game day, movie night, or when you need a quick and satisfying meal that feeds a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seasoning Mix
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
Main Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 16 ounces refried beans 1 can
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 large bag thick tortilla chips restaurant-style preferred
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
Fresh Toppings
  • 1 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 whole ripe avocado or ½ cup guacamole
  • 2-3 whole jalapeños sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 whole green onions sliced

Equipment

  • Large sheet pan or oven-safe platter
  • Large skillet
  • Cheese grater
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Grate both cheeses and prepare all fresh toppings.
  2. Cook the Meat: Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and all the seasoning mix. Cook 8-10 minutes, breaking up meat as it browns. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add Beans: Add refried beans and water to the cooked meat. Stir until smooth and heated through. Keep warm on low heat.
  4. Toast Chips: Spread chips in single layer on large sheet pan, overlapping slightly. Toast in oven for 5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from oven.
  5. First Layer: Sprinkle half the cheese over hot chips. Let heat from chips start melting cheese.
  6. Add Meat: Spoon beef and bean mixture evenly over chips. Top with remaining cheese.
  7. Final Bake: Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
  8. Top and Serve: Remove from oven. Add dollops of sour cream and guacamole. Sprinkle with salsa, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Pro Tips:
  • Always use freshly grated cheese for best melting
  • Choose thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips to prevent breaking
  • Toast chips first to create moisture barrier and prevent sogginess
  • Serve immediately - nachos don't reheat well
Make-Ahead: Season blend, meat mixture, and grated cheese can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Make guacamole fresh on serving day.
Variations: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, carnitas, or seasoned black beans for vegetarian option.