Beef Nachos Recipe

These Beef Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, all piled on top of crispy tortilla chips. Topped with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, jalapeños, and red onions, these nachos are a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easily customizable with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these nachos are sure to satisfy your cravings for something cheesy, savory, and delicious!

Ingredients

Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup water
• 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning, see notes)
• 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans

Nachos:

• 14 oz. thick tortilla chips (see notes for chip suggestions)
• 3 ¾ cups freshly shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred mix)
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup finely diced red onions
• ⅓ cup sliced black olives
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped

For Serving:

• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare all the ingredients before starting to ensure a quick process!
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
   • Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the beef, stirring to combine. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once thickened, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the refried beans until well mixed and heated through. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Nachos:
   • On a large, light-colored baking sheet (about 11.2 x 15.7 inches), spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer.
   • Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the chips, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef.
   • Add the remaining chips in another even layer, top with the remaining beef mixture and cheese.
4. Add Toppings:
   • Scatter the bell peppers, jalapeños, red onions, and black olives over the nachos.
5. Bake:
   • Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the nachos from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and chopped cilantro.
   • Add a generous scoop of guacamole and serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Satisfying & Flavorful: This nachos recipe combines savory, seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese for a perfect bite every time.
• Quick & Easy: Made in under 30 minutes, these nachos are ideal for a weeknight meal or game day snack.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and adjust spice levels to your preference.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just enjoying with family and friends.

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Tips

• Chip Choice: For best results, use thick tortilla chips to hold up against the toppings and melted cheese.
• Shredding Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
• Taco Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to your taste; add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Even Layering: Layering the chips, meat, and cheese twice ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Ground Beef Alternatives: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cheese and replace the sour cream and guacamole with vegan alternatives.
• Extra Veggies: Add toppings like diced cucumbers, roasted corn, or even spinach for added freshness and crunch.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using more or fewer jalapeños, or even try a spicier chili pepper variety.

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FAQs

Can I make these nachos ahead of time? While nachos are best served fresh, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just assemble and bake.

Can I freeze nachos? It’s not recommended to freeze nachos, as the chips will become soggy when reheated. However, the beef mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of refried beans? If you don’t have refried beans, you can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or even queso dip for an extra creamy texture.

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Serving

Serve these nachos as a fun appetizer or a full meal! They pair perfectly with sides like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for dipping. For a more filling meal, pair with a simple side salad or Mexican rice.

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Suggestions

• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or pulled pork for extra protein.
• Spicy Twist: Drizzle with hot sauce or add diced serrano peppers for an extra spicy kick.
• Double the Recipe: For a crowd, consider doubling the ingredients and making a larger batch to feed more people.