Name: Beef Nachos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ onion, finely diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef; 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning; ¼ cup water; 2 (16 oz) bags tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, beans, sliced green onions, salsa, sour cream, guacamole

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Short Description

A delicious and shareable snack featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, finished with your favorite toppings—perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-pleaser: Easy to customize and great for serving groups
Flavor-packed: Taco-seasoned beef and melted cheddar + Monterey Jack deliver bold Mexican-style taste
Quick and simple: Ready in under 25 minutes with minimal effort
Fully customizable: Top with everything from jalapeños and beans to salsa, sour cream, and guacamole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
2 (16 ounce) bags tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, beans, sliced green onions, salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400 °F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cook the beef: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook ~3 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink—about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season: Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Simmer for about 3 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates.
Assemble: Spread tortilla chips evenly on prepared baking sheets. Top with seasoned beef, then sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add jalapeño slices or beans if desired.
Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent chips from burning.
Finish: Remove nachos from the oven. Immediately add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes and green onions.
Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side. Enjoy immediately.

Servings And Timing

Makes approximately 8 servings (ideal for sharing)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes (includes browning beef and baking)
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Meat swaps: Use shredded chicken, turkey, or pork in place of ground beef
Vegetarian option: Omit beef and add beans, sautéed peppers, or meat substitute
Cheese twists: Try pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend
Spice it up: Add sliced pickled jalapeños or hot sauce
Loaded style: Include black beans, corn, avocado, or crumbled chorizo

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers: Store cooled beef and chips separately in airtight containers for 1–2 days
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350 °F for ~5 minutes or until warmed through and cheese re-melts
- Microwave: Warm beef separately and then reheat assembled nachos for 30–60 seconds, though chips may soften
Tip: Keep fresh toppings separate until serving to avoid soggy nachos

FAQs

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes—swap the packet for 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, and a pinch each of garlic powder and salt.

How do I prevent chips from getting soggy?
Assemble and bake just before serving. Add fresh toppings after baking, and keep salsa and guacamole on the side.

Can I make this ahead?
Partially—you can cook and season the beef ahead of time. Assemble and bake when ready to serve for best texture.

Are these spicy?
They’re mild by default. Add jalapeños, spicy cheese, or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I freeze nachos?
Not recommended—chips lose their crispness. Freeze only the seasoned beef separately, then reheat and top fresh chips.

What sides go well?
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—flavorful but mild. Control toppings to suit younger tastes.

Can I make gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and tortilla chips.

What’s a good vegetarian version?
Replace beef with black beans or lentils seasoned the same way.

Can I add veggies?
Yes—extra chopped peppers, onions, or corn can be mixed into the beef before serving.

Conclusion

Beef Nachos are the ultimate easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish—crispy chips, cheesy goodness, and flavorful beef come together in every bite. With versatile toppings and quick prep, these nachos are perfect for game days, casual dinners, or satisfying snack time. Build your toppings, bake, and enjoy a crunchy, cheesy fiesta!