Description
Loaded Nachos are a crowd-pleasing weekend meal perfect for sharing. This dish features a savory ground beef and bean mixture layered over crispy tortilla chips and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finished with fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions, these nachos deliver bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large bag (12–16 ounces) tortilla chips (restaurant-style thick preferred)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
Toppings
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Optional: Diced tomatoes, black olives, queso fresco
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Beans and Corn: Mix in the rinsed black beans, kidney beans (if using), and drained corn. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for melting the cheese, if you choose to bake the nachos.
- Arrange Tortilla Chips: Spread the tortilla chips evenly in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, creating a sturdy base for toppings.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the warm ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chips, ensuring good coverage.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture to create a gooey cheese layer.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can broil for 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately dollop sour cream and guacamole over the top. Spoon on salsa, then sprinkle pickled jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add any additional optional toppings like diced tomatoes or queso fresco.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the loaded nachos while warm and fresh to enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use restaurant-style thick tortilla chips to prevent sogginess when layering toppings.
- Drain excess grease from cooked ground beef to keep nachos from being greasy.
- Optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, black olives, and queso fresco add extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the beans and veggies.
- Baking or broiling the cheese is optional but recommended for perfectly melted cheese.
- Serve nachos immediately after assembling to enjoy optimal crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: loaded nachos, ground beef nachos, easy nachos recipe, Mexican appetizers, cheesy nachos, taco seasoning
