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Whether minimally topped with cheese or loaded with extras, who doesn’t love crunchy, cheesy nachos? Add these loaded nachos to your party menu, or enjoy them with family on movie night.
The recipe is versatile as well. Instead of all beef, use part chorizo or bulk sausage, or replace the ground beef with ground turkey. You could also use more meat and cut back on the beans. If you don’t like cilantro, feel free to leave it out or replace it with another topper. For vegetarians, make a platter with beans and extra veggies. Mushrooms would be an excellent choice as well.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Easy prep. Simple stovetop beef plus quick assembly.
Great for sharing. Ideal for gatherings of any size.
Fully customizable. Add or swap toppings to suit your crowd.
Big flavor. Lime, taco seasoning, and plenty of fresh toppings.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef – Lean or regular works; drain excess fat for the best texture.
- Taco seasoning – Use a packet or homemade.
- Lime juice – Brightens the beef mixture and balances the richness.
- Black or pinto beans – Both work well; rinse and drain before adding.
- Tortilla chips – Choose sturdy chips that hold toppings without getting soggy.
- Cheese – Cheddar Jack or Pepper Jack melt beautifully.
- Fresh toppings – Tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, cilantro, and jalapeños add color and crunch.
Steps to Make Loaded Nachos With Ground Beef
- Prep the baking sheet and preheat the oven.
- Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic; drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, lime juice, and beans to the skillet.
- Spread the tortilla chips on a lined baking sheet.
- Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips.
- Add half the tomatoes and green onions.
- Sprinkle the cheese over all and bake until melted.
- Top with remaining tomatoes, green onions, lettuce, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
Tips
- Use a large, heavy-duty sheet pan so the chips can spread out evenly.
- Warm the beans slightly before adding if they’re cold from rinsing.
- For crispier nachos, layer chips and toppings in two thinner layers.
- Add the lettuce after baking so it stays fresh and crisp.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the protein. Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chorizo instead of beef.
- Add corn. A handful of roasted or canned corn adds sweetness.
- Make them spicy. Add fresh jalapeños, chipotle, or hot sauce to the beef.
- Try queso. Drizzle warm queso over the nachos after baking for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with salsa, pico de gallo, or queso.
- Pair with a crisp green salad.
- Add refried beans on the side for a heartier meal.
- Garnish with lime wedges for squeezing.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Leftover nachos can be stored for up to 2 days, though they will soften.
Reheat: Place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until crisped and heated through.
Prep ahead: Cook the beef mixture and chop toppings in advance; assemble and bake just before serving.
If you need more ideas for gatherings, take a look at these amazing little pretzel bites or these ham and honey mustard pinwheels. This chicken and waffles recipe is another delicious snack.
Loaded Nachos With Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- ⅓ cup beef broth or water
- 1 15-ounce can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 ounces tortilla chips
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, divided
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions, divided
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, or pepper jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeño rings, or to taste
- lime wedges, for serving
- sour cream (optional), for serving
- guacamole (optional), for serving
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
- Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Drain off and discard excess fat.1 tbsp vegetable oil | 1 pound ground beef | 1/2 cup chopped onion | 2 cloves garlic
- Add the taco seasoning, broth (or water), and beans to the ground beef. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated.1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning | 1 15-ounce can black beans or pinto beans | 1/3 cup beef broth or water
- Spread the tortilla chips out on the large prepared baking sheet.8 ounces tortilla chips
- Spoon the ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the diced tomatoes and 1/4 cup of the green onions over the ground beef. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over all.½ cup diced tomatoes | ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions | 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Top with the remaining diced tomatoes and green onions, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and jalapeno rings.½ cup diced tomatoes | ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions | 2 cups shredded lettuce | 2 tbsp chopped cilantro | 2 tbsp pickled jalapeño rings
- Serve with lime wedges, sour cream and/or guacamole.lime wedges | sour cream (optional) | guacamole (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
