Name: One Pot Cheesy Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon olive oil; 1 sweet onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 (14 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 ½ cups beef or chicken stock; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated; Pickled onions, for topping; Guacamole, for topping; Sour cream, for topping; Cilantro, jalapenos, cotija cheese, and other garnishes as desired; Tortilla chips, as many as can be layered in the skillet

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 17 reviews

If there’s one snack that guarantees smiles and full bellies at any gathering, it’s One Pot Cheesy Nachos. This dish brings the perfect harmony of melty cheeses, spicy seasoned beef, and crunchy tortilla chips, all cooked together in one pan for maximum ease and outstanding flavor. Whether you’re craving a cozy game-day treat or a hearty party appetizer, these nachos deliver that addictive combination of gooey, savory, and slightly smoky bites that keep everyone reaching back for more.

One Pot Cheesy Nachos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple but oh-so-important ingredients that come together like a culinary dream team. From the earthy spices to the fresh veggies and creamy cheeses, each element builds layers of flavor and texture that make One Pot Cheesy Nachos truly unforgettable.

Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic to bring out their sweet aroma and softness.
Sweet onion: Adds a mild, natural sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Provide a punch of savory depth and essential warmth.
Lean ground beef: The hearty star protein that soaks up all the spices and juices.
Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder: These spices infuse the beef with smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy notes.
Kosher salt and pepper: To season and enhance every single bite.
Canned diced green chiles: Bring in a little kick and a subtle tangy flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and an umami boost to the beef mixture.
Pinto beans: For creaminess and extra body to the layers.
Corn: Adds sweet pops and color contrast.
Beef or chicken stock: Keeps the filling moist and saucy as it simmers.
Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: The dream team of melting cheeses that ooze creamy, tangy goodness.
Pickled onions, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, jalapenos: Fresh toppings to take your nachos to the next level.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Nachos

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat, then add diced sweet onions and minced garlic with a pinch of salt. Cook them gently, stirring often until they become tender and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This base creates a soft, savory flavor foundation that the rest of the dish will build on.

Step 2: Browning the Ground Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned all the way through. This step is key since well-browned meat adds rich depth and satisfying texture that makes one pot cheesy nachos so satisfying.

Step 3: Spice It Up and Simmer

Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder, then stir to coat the meat evenly. Mix in the tomato paste and diced green chiles, letting everything cook together for 5 minutes. Next, fold in the pinto beans and corn, then pour in the stock. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until it thickens slightly. This simmering melds the ingredients beautifully and creates a luscious, flavorful filling.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Chips

Turn off the heat and toss the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef mixture, then pile in tortilla chips, standing them upright as much as possible so they soak up the saucy goodness. Keep layering chips until you fill the skillet. Finally, top with the remaining cheese, preparing for the magic of baking.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Gooey

Place the skillet in a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has melted into glorious goo and the edges of the tortilla chips turn golden and slightly crispy. This final baking step adds irresistible texture and melds all the flavors together.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Nachos

Garnishes

The best part about serving one pot cheesy nachos is customizing your toppings. Fresh sour cream adds cooling creaminess, while guacamole brings buttery smoothness and a touch of zest. Pickled onions provide a tangy crunch, jalapenos offer a spicy kick, and cilantro its refreshing herbal brightness. These simple garnishes elevate every bite to something truly special.

Side Dishes

Since One Pot Cheesy Nachos is a filling and flavor-packed dish on its own, light sides work best. A crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette or a fresh pico de gallo complement the nachos’ richness beautifully. If you want to keep the fiesta vibes, a bowl of black bean soup or a chilled margarita make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these nachos straight from the skillet to the table, encouraging everyone to dig right in. Alternatively, portion them onto colorful platters or individual mini cast iron pans for personal servings. You can also experiment by layering the nachos in a glass casserole dish to showcase the vibrant layers of beans, cheese, meat, and chips through the sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making reheated portions just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

While freezing One Pot Cheesy Nachos isn’t the best for texture—chips tend to soften and cheese can separate—you can freeze the cooked beef and bean mixture by itself for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling fresh nachos.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese has re-melted, about 10–15 minutes. To revive some crispiness, you can briefly broil the top for a minute or two, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. Avoid microwaving for best results as it tends to make chips soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Combining cheeses adds layers of flavor and melt quality.

Are these nachos very spicy?

They have a mild kick from the chiles and chili powder, but nothing overwhelming. You can adjust the heat with milder or hotter chiles and control spice with toppings like jalapenos or cooling sour cream.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or skip it and add extra beans and veggies. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock to keep it fully vegetarian.

What kind of chips work best?

Thick, sturdy tortilla chips work best to hold up during baking. Look for restaurant-style or restaurant-style thick-cut chips for that perfect crunch-to-sauce ratio.

Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?

For ease and presentation, yes. Using an oven-safe skillet lets you cook and bake in one vessel, reducing cleanup and keeping heat evenly distributed. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and chips.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about the cozy comfort of One Pot Cheesy Nachos—a dish that brings friends together and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pan means less fuss and more time savoring each cheesy, spicy bite. Next time you want to impress without the hassle, give this recipe a try and prepare for the compliments and happy crowds.