Description
A deliciously layered homemade nachos recipe featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for sharing as a party appetizer or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¾ cup water
- 1 oz. packet taco seasoning
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
Nachos Base and Toppings
- 14 oz. tortilla chips (thick/sturdy chips work best)
- 3 ¾ cups freshly shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack recommended)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (sliced)
- ¼ cup finely diced red onions
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 2 Roma tomatoes (diced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons cilantro (roughly chopped)
Condiments
- Guacamole (for topping)
- Salsa (for serving)
- Sour Cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Prep all ingredients beforehand as the assembly moves quickly.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 7-10 minutes, crumbling it until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning, stir in water, and bring to a boil until thickened. Reduce heat to simmer, then stir in refried beans until fully combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer Chips: Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly in a large, light-colored baking sheet (approximately 11.2 x 15.7 inches).
- Add Meat and Cheese: Spoon half of the meat and bean mixture over the chips, distributing it along the sides and in scoops. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Add Second Layer: Top with the remaining chips, then spread the remaining meat mixture evenly, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Scatter diced bell peppers, sliced jalapenos, red onions, and sliced black olives over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven and sprinkle diced Roma tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro on top. Add a generous scoop of guacamole. Serve immediately with salsa and sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess under heavy toppings.
- The taco seasoning packet can be homemade or store-bought; adjust seasoning intensity to taste.
- Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for optimal melt and flavor.
- For extra heat, add more jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Ensure to drain excess grease from cooked beef to avoid soggy nachos.
- Light-colored baking sheets work best to avoid burning chips’ edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
