Easy Beef Nachos Recipe
This Easy Beef Nachos Recipe is loaded, cheesy, and packed with bold, savory flavor. Crispy tortilla chips are piled high with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and classic toppings for the ultimate shareable snack or meal. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for game days or casual nights in.
Ingredients
For the Beef Nachos
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended for flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil if beef is very lean
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade—see note below
- ½ cup water
- 8 –10 ounces tortilla chips thick, restaurant-style chips work best
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend
Optional Toppings
- Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Sliced jalapeños fresh or pickled
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Shredded lettuce
- Black olives
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed, then add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Season the Beef
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef. Pour in water and stir well. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened and well-coated. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 4: Assemble the Nachos
- Spread tortilla chips in an even layer on the sheet pan. Spoon seasoned beef evenly over the chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over everything.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning the chips.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
- Remove from oven and immediately add fresh toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. Finish with sour cream or guacamole just before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy right away.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease on the chips.
- Season the beef well with taco seasoning for bold flavor.
- Choose sturdy tortilla chips to hold up under toppings.
- Layer chips, beef, and cheese for even coverage and better melting.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Add cold toppings like sour cream and salsa after baking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored, but chips will soften over time.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480 kcal,Carbohydrates: 34 g,
Fiber: 4 g,
Sugars: 4 g,
Protein: 22 g,
Fat: 30 g,
Saturated Fat: 12 g,
Cholesterol: 70 mg,
Sodium: 820 mg,
Potassium: 520 mg,
Calcium: 260 mg,
Iron: 3.2 mg