Nothing beats a big tray of Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos—crispy tortilla chips piled high with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a game night, need a quick dinner, or just craving a comforting snack, this recipe is a winner. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back to plain old chips again!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Loaded with Flavor: Seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings make every bite delicious.
Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleaser for parties, movie nights, or casual dinners.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, or sour cream.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients in Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos
Ground Beef: The hearty base of these nachos. Use lean beef for less grease.
Taco Seasoning: Adds bold Tex-Mex flavor with a perfect balance of spices.
Tortilla Chips: Sturdy, restaurant-style chips work best for layering.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully for that gooey texture.
Black Beans (Optional): Adds protein and texture to the nachos.
Jalapeños: For a spicy kick—use fresh or pickled.
Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes add juiciness and freshness.
Green Onions: A pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Sour Cream & Guacamole: Cool, creamy toppings to balance the heat.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in taco seasoning.
Prepare the Chips: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.
Layer the Nachos: Sprinkle half the cheese over the chips, then add the cooked beef and black beans. Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.
Serve & Enjoy: Dig in while they’re hot! Serve straight from the baking sheet or transfer to a platter.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos
With Salsa: Serve with fresh pico de gallo or your favorite salsa.
With Extra Cheese: Drizzle nacho cheese sauce for even more cheesiness.
As a Party Appetizer: Arrange on a large platter for easy sharing.
With Rice & Beans: Turn it into a full meal by serving alongside Mexican rice and refried beans.
Additional Tips
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly—grate your own for the best results.
Prevent Soggy Nachos: Layer ingredients carefully and serve immediately to keep the chips crispy.
Make It Spicier: Add more jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these nachos in the air fryer?
A1: Yes! Layer them in an air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for nachos?
A2: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco all melt beautifully.
Q3: Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
A3: It’s best to assemble and bake fresh, but you can prep the beef in advance.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q5: Can I add more toppings?
A5: Absolutely! Try olives, shredded lettuce, or pickled onions.
Q6: How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
A6: Don’t overload with wet ingredients—add fresh toppings just before serving.
Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Yes! Just use a larger baking sheet and adjust cooking time as needed.
Q8: What type of tortilla chips work best?
A8: Thick, sturdy chips hold up best under all the toppings.
Q9: Can I make these nachos dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat nachos?
A10: Bake at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos are the ultimate comfort food crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether for a party, a game day snack, or a simple dinner, they’re always a hit. Grab a chip and dig in!
Print
Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos are a must-have appetizer, perfect for solo snacking or a party platter! Crunchy tortilla chips are loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings. Great for game nights, holidays, or casual gatherings!
Ingredients
Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1/2 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce (see notes)
- 1 tsp sugar
Cheese & Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- Tortilla chips
- Pickled jalapeños, for garnish
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Shred cheese and set aside (see notes).
- In a pan over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté onions for 30 seconds.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute before adding the ground beef.
- Break up any clumps and cook until halfway done, then add all seasonings except soy sauce and sugar. Stir well.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, add soy sauce and sugar, mix thoroughly, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
2. Remove Excess Grease (Optional):
- Tilt the pan to let the grease collect to one side.
- Discard excess grease using a glass bowl or paper towel.
3. Melt the Cheese:
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add shredded cheddar & mozzarella.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it melt for a few minutes.
- Once melted, remove the lid and turn off the heat.
4. Assemble the Nachos:
- Arrange tortilla chips on a serving plate.
- Gently slide the cheesy beef mixture over the chips.
- Garnish with pickled jalapeños and cilantro. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Soy Sauce Alternative: Substitute with Worcestershire sauce for a different depth of flavor.
- Toppings: Customize with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg