Simple Cheesy Nachos

This easy cheesy nacho recipe is fully loaded with seasoned beef, hearty black beans, and melty cheese, all piled high on crispy tortilla chips. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party snack, these nachos come together in just 35 minutes.

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Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love Making It

  • Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-style appetizer or meal in no time.
  • Fully Customizable: Load them up with toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or extra cheese to make them your own.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re serving them at a game night, movie night, or casual dinner, nachos are always a hit.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes on a single sheet pan for minimal cleanup.
  • Great for Leftovers: If you have extra taco meat, use it for tacos, burritos, or even a nacho salad the next day!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef – Use 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and reduced grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet) – A store-bought mix works well, or use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher flavor.
  • ⅓ cup water – Helps the seasoning coat the beef evenly.
  • ⅔ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional) – Adds extra protein and texture. Feel free to swap for pinto beans or leave them out.
  • 8 ounces tortilla chips – Choose sturdy, restaurant-style chips that hold up well under toppings.
  • 4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided – Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
  • Toppings as desired – Fresh diced onions, shredded lettuce, or crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if desired.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then let it simmer for about 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens. If using black beans, stir them in at this stage to warm through.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

Spread the tortilla chips evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips, then spoon the seasoned beef mixture on top. Layer with the remaining cheese and half of the green onions.

Step 4: Bake Until Melty

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent over-baking.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining green onions on top. Add any desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or olives. Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.

FAQs

How do I prevent my nachos from getting soggy?
To keep nachos crisp, layer the cheese directly on the chips before adding the beef. The melted cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the chips from soaking up moisture from the meat. Also, serve wet toppings (like salsa or sour cream) on the side.

Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
You can prep the beef mixture and shred the cheese in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake just before serving to keep the chips crispy. If needed, you can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.

2 thoughts on “Simple Cheesy Nachos”

  1. Just made these nachos and they were a hit at my game night. Swapped in some veggie crumbles for a meatless version and no one noticed!

    Reply

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