Name: Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1.25 ounce package taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup chunky tomato salsa; 12 ounce package tortilla chips; 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar Jack cheese; Salsa; Guacamole; Sour cream; Cilantro

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If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Sheet Pan Nachos! Piled high with flavorful ground beef, melty cheddar jack cheese, hearty black beans, and your favorite toppings, this dish turns any gathering into a party. With just a handful of staple ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a pan of crispy, savory nachos that everyone can dig into—no fancy equipment or fussy cleanup required. Whether you’re prepping for game night, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, Sheet Pan Nachos hit all the right notes: bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and infinite opportunities for customization.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Sheet Pan Nachos is their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to maximize flavor and texture in every bite. Get ready for colorful, crave-worthy nachos that are quick enough for weeknights and festive enough for a crowd!

Lean ground beef: This provides a hearty, savory base that soaks up all the seasoning; choose leaner beef for less grease and a lighter feel.
Taco seasoning: The secret shortcut to bold, smoky, and just-spicy-enough meat without the hassle of measuring tons of spices.
Water: Helps the seasoning blend evenly with the beef for a flavorful, juicy mixture.
Black beans: Offer a creamy, fiber-packed contrast to the crunchy chips and spice of the beef; rinsing removes extra salt and starch.
Chunky tomato salsa: Adds tangy freshness and a pop of color while binding the beef and beans together.
Tortilla chips: The crunchy vehicle for every topping—choose sturdy, thick chips so they stand up to all the layers.
Shredded Cheddar Jack cheese: Melts into gooey, golden strands that hold everything together, with just the right mix of sharpness and creaminess.
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro: These classic garnishes bring brightness, creaminess, and herby lift to each serving. Mix and match to suit your crowd!

How to Make Sheet Pan Nachos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for getting the cheese perfectly melted while crisping up the chips just enough. Having the oven preheated means your Sheet Pan Nachos go from oven to table in the shortest time possible.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Cook, using a spatula or spoon to break it up into small crumbles, until it’s no longer pink—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning develops flavor! Once done, carefully drain off the extra grease so your nachos don’t get soggy.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Beans

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, pour in the water, and stir. This helps the spices infuse into every bit of meat. Simmer for two to three minutes, then stir in the rinsed black beans and chunky salsa. Continue to cook for a couple more minutes, letting everything get nice and hot and the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Build Your Nachos

On a large, rimmed baking sheet, spread out a generous layer of tortilla chips. You want good coverage, but don’t over-lap too much so every chip gets some topping love. Spoon the hot beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips, making sure no chip is left behind.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese all over the top, taking care to cover as much surface area as possible. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the edges are just starting to turn golden. The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Step 6: Top and Serve

Once out of the oven, pile on all your favorite toppings: salsa, fresh guacamole, dollops of cool sour cream, and a sprinkle of fragrant cilantro. Serve your Sheet Pan Nachos directly on the pan for a fun, shareable feast.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Nachos

Garnishes

A well-garnished pan of nachos is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds! Bright scoops of guacamole, creamy sour cream, and fresh cilantro add flavor and bring gorgeous color to your Sheet Pan Nachos. Add extra salsas for those who like it spicy, or sliced jalapeños for a bit of crunch and heat.

Side Dishes

To round out your nacho night, consider serving with a fresh, zippy side salad or some Mexican street corn. A bowl of lime wedges and a pitcher of cold drinks—think iced tea, margaritas, or aguas frescas—completes the meal and keeps the party going.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Sheet Pan Nachos into a DIY experience by arranging toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their portion. For a festive touch, serve the nachos right on the pan lined with parchment, or scoop portions into individual paper boats at your next backyard get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Sheet Pan Nachos (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. The chips might soften a bit, but the flavors only get better by the next day.

Freezing

While you can freeze the beef and bean mixture separately, I recommend not freezing assembled nachos, as the chips can become chewy. Freeze just the cooked beef and bean filling in a zip-top bag, then thaw and reheat before building fresh nachos.

Reheating

To revive leftover Sheet Pan Nachos, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven will help restore some crispness to the chips.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat for Sheet Pan Nachos?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as a swap. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cook time slightly if needed.

How can I keep the nachos from getting soggy?

Layering is key! Make sure the chips are sturdy and not too thin, don’t overload with too much salsa before baking, and serve promptly once the Sheet Pan Nachos come out of the oven.

Are these Sheet Pan Nachos gluten free?

Yes, as long as you choose certified gluten-free tortilla chips and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free, you’re good to go!

Can I make vegetarian Sheet Pan Nachos?

Simply skip the beef and add more beans, or try other toppings like sautéed peppers, corn, or roasted veggies. No one will miss the meat!

What toppings go best with these nachos?

Classic favorites like guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions, and chopped tomatoes all shine here. Let your imagination (and taste buds) guide you!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about gathering around a freshly baked pan of Sheet Pan Nachos. With their mix of flavors, playful presentation, and endless customization, they always steal the show. Give them a try for your next weekend hangout or weeknight dinner—you might just find yourself creating a brand new nacho tradition!

Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Sheet Pan Nachos are a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for game day or a casual gathering. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, and melted cheese, these nachos are easy to make and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400F.
Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned. Drain the grease.
Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Cook until the water evaporates.
Add beans and salsa: Stir in black beans and salsa. Cook until heated through.
Assemble the nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with the beef mixture and cheese.
Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Serve: Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro before serving.

Notes

You can customize these nachos with additional toppings like jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or olives.
For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for plant-based crumbles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex