Mouthwatering Homemade Beef Nachos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 oz) of taco seasoning
  • 1 bag (13 oz) of tortilla chips
  • 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup of guacamole
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 1 cup of sour cream

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it's no longer pink. Drain the grease.
  3. Add the taco seasoning to the ground beef, following the packet instructions.
  4. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  5. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the tortilla chips.
  6. Spread the seasoned beef over the cheese and chips.
  7. Spread the black beans over the beef.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beans.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove the nachos from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeno slices, black olives, and green onions.
  11. Drizzle salsa, guacamole and sour cream on top of the nachos.
  12. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - for cooking the ground beef
  • Baking sheet - for baking the nachos in the oven
  • Knife - for dicing tomatoes and slicing jalapeno and black olives
  • Cutting board - for chopping vegetables
  • Measuring cups - for measuring ingredients like cheese, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream
  • Spatula - for stirring and flipping the ground beef
  • Oven mitts - to handle the hot baking sheet
  • Small bowls - for serving the guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side

Recipe variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Replace the tortilla chips with sweet potato chips or pita chips for a different flavor.
  • Try using different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
  • Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and adding extra black beans or substituting with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
  • Add a layer of refried beans or cream cheese spread on the tortilla chips before layering the other ingredients.
  • Incorporate corn kernels or diced avocado as toppings for added freshness.
  • Spice it up by adding hot sauce or chili powder to the beef mixture.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortilla chips or corn tortillas as a base.

Recipe overview

This delicious Beef Nachos recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or for serving at parties. These nachos are loaded with flavorful seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and plenty of tasty toppings such as black beans, tomatoes, jalapenos, and olives. Finished off with a drizzle of salsa, guacamole, sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, these nachos are sure to be a hit. Expect a dish that's fun to make and even more fun to eat. Dig in and enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles.
  2. Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes, you can add extra heat by using spicy taco seasoning, adding hot sauce to the ground beef, or using extra jalapeno slices.
  3. What can I use instead of tortilla chips? If you prefer, you can use corn tortillas or even potato chips as a base for your nachos.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It is best to assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to ensure they stay crispy. However, you can prepare the ground beef and chop the toppings in advance to save time.
  5. Can I add other toppings to the nachos? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some popular additions include diced avocado, pickled jalapenos, shredded lettuce, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
  6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese for convenience. However, freshly shredded cheese will melt better and have a creamier texture.
  7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetarian-friendly toppings like diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or vegetarian sausage crumbles.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to arrange and bake the nachos.
  • Large Skillet - Used to cook the ground beef.
  • Cheese Grater - Used to shred the cheddar cheese.
  • Knife - Used to dice tomatoes, slice jalapenos, and chop green onions and cilantro.
  • Can Opener - Used to open the can of black beans.
  • Serving Platter - Used to serve the nachos.
  • Spatula - Used to transfer the cooked ground beef onto the nachos.

Origin stories

The origin of nachos can be traced back to Piedras Negras, Mexico, just over the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. In 1943, a group of military wives, tired and hungry after a day of shopping, stumbled into a restaurant called the Victory Club. The maître d', Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, couldn't find the chef, so he took it upon himself to whip up a snack for the ladies. He covered a plate in leftover tortillas, added some shredded cheese and slices of jalapeño, and put it under the broiler. He called his creation "Nacho's especiales," and the dish quickly took off. It was later shortened to "nachos," and the dish has evolved over the years to include a variety of toppings, from ground beef and beans to guacamole and salsa.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.