Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these loaded beef nachos. They’re perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or simply a cozy night in. Each bite bursts with layers of savory beef, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. Once you try them, you’ll want to make nacho night a regular event.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking.
- Prepare the taco spice blend by mixing together chili powder, kosher salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- In a pan over medium-high heat, warm up the vegetable oil until it shimmers. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with the prepared spice blend. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks for about 8 minutes until browned, then drain the fat.
- Return the beef to the pan and mix in the refried beans and water. Stir and heat the mixture until the beans are smooth and everything is warmed through. Keep this mixture on low heat while you prepare the chips.
- Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a 13×18-inch oven-safe platter or sheet pan, overlapping slightly. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, until you can smell their aroma.
- Remove the pan and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses over the warm chips. Let the cheese melt slightly from the heat of the chips before spreading the beef and bean mixture on top.
- Add the remaining cheese over the beef mixture and return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted.
- Once out of the oven, top the nachos with pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or your preferred toppings. Serve hot for the best experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80:20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 16 ounces (2 cups) refried beans, canned or homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups), plus extra for topping
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated (about 2 cups), plus extra for topping
- 1 cup pico de gallo, store-bought or homemade, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño (pickled or fresh), sliced
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Canned black olives
- Sliced green onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Corn
- Hot sauce
FAQ
- What is the origin of nachos?
- Nachos were first created by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Mexico, for a group of U.S. Army wives. The dish quickly became popular and evolved into the nachos we enjoy today.
- What are some recommended toppings for nachos?
- Classic nacho toppings include a mix of cheddar and Colby Jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, diced onions and tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. However, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
- How can I prevent nachos from becoming soggy?
- To maintain crispiness, pre-bake the tortilla chips in a 350°F oven and add a layer of shredded cheese on top before adding other toppings. This creates a barrier that helps keep the chips crunchy for a longer time.
- Can I use store-bought tortilla chips for nachos?
- Yes, store-bought tortilla chips work well for nachos, especially those that are thicker and sturdier. Homemade tortilla chips can also be made by frying corn tortillas cut into wedges.
- What are some variations for protein and cheese in nachos?
- For protein, you can try shredded grilled chicken, brisket, sliced steak, grilled tofu, or seasoned pork. Cheese alternatives include crumbly cotija, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or habañero cheese for a spicy kick.
Tips
- Pre-Bake the Chips: Before adding any toppings, give your tortilla chips a quick bake in a 350°F oven. This step helps to firm up the chips and prevent them from becoming soggy when loaded with toppings.
- Shred Cheese Yourself: For the best gooey texture, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. Pre-packaged shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that can hinder the melting process.
- Layer Strategically: Arrange your tortilla chips in a single layer on a sheet pan, slightly overlapping them. Add a layer of cheese before any other toppings to create a barrier that helps keep the chips crispy.
- Customize Toppings: Serve toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream in separate dishes. This allows everyone to customize their nachos and prevents them from getting soggy quickly.
Equipment
- Oven-safe platter or quarter sheet pans
- Cheese grater (if you don’t have one already for shredding cheese)
- Ramekins (for serving toppings)
