Save This Classic Tex-Mex Baked Nachos recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing at any gathering. Featuring crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, and a mountain of gooey, melty cheese, this dish is brought to life with a vibrant array of fresh toppings that make every bite irresistible.
Save The secret to the perfect nacho platter lies in the layering. By dividing the ingredients into two distinct layers, you ensure that every single chip is loaded with savory beef and bubbling cheese, preventing the dreaded pile of plain chips at the bottom.
Ingredients
- Beef Mixture: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb ground beef, 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- Nachos Base: 8 oz tortilla chips
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Toppings: 1 cup diced cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 diced avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Step 3
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, for approximately 5 minutes.
- Step 4
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Step 5
- Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheeses. Repeat with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese.
- Step 6
- Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
- Step 7
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the warm nachos with the cherry tomatoes, black beans, olives, jalapeños, and red onion.
- Step 8
- Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro and avocado. Serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a large baking sheet or a sturdy oven-safe platter to allow the heat to circulate evenly. If you are concerned about allergies, remember that this dish contains dairy and nightshades; always check your chip labels to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or omit the meat entirely and double the beans for a vegetarian option. For those who enjoy extra heat, try using pepper jack cheese or adding a few splashes of hot sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Baked Nachos are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and warm. They pair exceptionally well with a cold beer or a fresh lime margarita. Set out extra bowls of salsa and sour cream so everyone can dip to their heart's content.
Save With its perfect balance of savory spices, crunchy chips, and fresh toppings, these Baked Nachos are sure to become a staple in your appetizer rotation. They are simple to prepare and even more fun to eat, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the beef and assemble the nachos fresh, then bake. Add fresh toppings after baking for best texture and flavor.
- → What type of tortilla chips work best?
Use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to the toppings without becoming soggy. Thicker chips work better than thin ones, and choosing quality chips ensures they stay crispy even after baking with the beef and cheese.
- → How do I prevent soggy nachos?
Layer the ingredients strategically, distributing beef and cheese evenly across two layers rather than piling everything on top. Bake until cheese just melts, and add wet toppings like tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream only after removing from the oven.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and double the black beans, or use seasoned pinto beans or refried beans. You can also add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra heartiness and flavor while keeping it meat-free.
- → What cheese combinations work well?
The cheddar and Monterey Jack blend provides perfect meltability and flavor. For variations, try pepper jack for heat, queso quesadilla for authentic Mexican flavor, or add a bit of cream cheese to the beef mixture for extra creaminess.
- → How do I reheat leftover nachos?
Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Remove fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, and cilantro before reheating, then add them back after warming. Avoid microwaving as it makes chips soggy.