Save Pin A crowd-pleasing platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings—perfect for sharing at parties or game nights.
This recipe has quickly become my go-to for casual gatherings because it's both delicious and fuss-free.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Tortilla chips: 10 oz (280 g) sturdy tortilla chips
- Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Black beans: 1 cup (150 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Tomato: 1 medium tomato, diced
- Pickled jalapeño slices: ½ cup (60 g)
- Black olives: ½ cup (60 g), optional
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado: 1 medium avocado, diced, optional
- Green onions: 2, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned about 5 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and garlic sauté for 2 3 minutes until softened.
- Season beef:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper Add water and simmer for 3 4 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated Remove from heat.
- Prepare chips:
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
- Assemble nachos:
- Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips Sprinkle black beans then cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Add toppings:
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomato, jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and avocado if using.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with sour cream or serve it on the side Serve hot, directly from the pan.
Save Pin My family loves gathering around this colorful platter, making game nights extra special and fun.
Variations
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumble for vegetarian options Add corn or diced bell peppers to boost the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp lager or a zesty margarita to enhance the Tex-Mex theme.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days Reheat in the oven to keep chips crispy.
Save Pin This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that balances convenience and bold flavors perfectly.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best?
Ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio offers rich flavor and moisture, though leaner options can be used for a lighter result.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack are ideal for melting, but feel free to use any cheese that melts well and complements bold flavors.
- → How to make this dish vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked vegetables like mushrooms for a meatless version full of texture and taste.
- → What toppings enhance the flavor?
Diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, sliced olives, fresh cilantro, and avocado contribute layers of freshness and tanginess.
- → How do I ensure crispy chips?
Spread chips evenly on the sheet pan without overlapping, and bake just until cheese melts to keep them crisp underneath.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Assemble just before baking to maintain chip crunch; toppings like avocado and sour cream should be added fresh after baking.