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The Best Nachos
Ingredients
- 2 tbspchili powder
- 1 ½ tspkosher salt
- 1 tspgranulated garlic
- 1 tspgranulated onion
- 1 tspground cumin
- ½ tspdried oregano
- ¼ tspblack pepper
- cayenne pepper
optional
- 1 tspvegetable oil
- 1 lbground beef
80:20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 16 ozrefried beans
canned or homemade
- ¼ cwater
- 1 largebag of tortilla chips
- 4 ozcheddar cheese
grated, plus more for topping, about 2 cups
- 4 ozcolby jack cheese
grated, plus more for topping, about 2 cups
- 1 cpico de gallo
store-bought or homemade , plus more for topping
- ¼ cchopped cilantro
- 1sliced jalapeño
pickled or fresh
- guacamole
- salsa
- sour cream
- canned black olives
- sliced green onions
- shredded lettuce
- corn
- hot sauce
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- 2
Make the taco spice blend: Combine all of the spices (chili powder through cayenne) together in a small bowl.
- 3
Make the beef and bean topping: Heat the vegetable oil on medium high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the ground beef to the pan and season it with all of the taco spice blend. As the meat cooks, use a spoon to break the meat up into crumbles. Cook for about 8 minutes until the meat has browned and drain the fat using a colander. Return the meat to the pan and add the refried beans and the water. Heat the mixture until the beans are smooth and warmed through. Reduce the heat to low and keep the beef-bean mixture warm while you prepare the chips.
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- 4
Toast the chips: On a 13x18-inch oven-safe platter or sheet pan, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer, overlapping them slightly. Toast the chips in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or just until you begin to smell their aroma.
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- 5
Assemble and bake the nachos: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and top with one half of the shredded cheeses. Allow the heat from the chips to melt the cheese slightly before topping the chips with the beef and bean mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef and return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted.
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- 6
Top and serve: Top the nachos with the pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or any of your preferred toppings. Serve hot. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!
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The Best Nachos
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About this Recipe
The Best Loaded Nachos: Your Ultimate Game Day & Party Snack
Craving the ultimate party snack or a satisfying weeknight meal? These "The Best Nachos" deliver a phenomenal Tex-Mex experience, loaded with authentic flavors in just 30 minutes. You'll love how easily you can bring restaurant-quality deliciousness right to your kitchen.
Why These Nachos Work
What makes these nachos stand out is the generous layering of classic Tex-Mex components: savory seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a double dose of melty cheddar and Colby Jack cheese. This recipe perfectly balances richness with freshness, ensuring every crispy chip is coated in satisfying flavor. It’s designed for maximum impact with minimal effort, making it a truly quick and easy appetizer.
What to Expect
Prepare for a vibrant explosion of textures and tastes. You'll find robust tortilla chips piled high with succulent, perfectly seasoned ground beef and velvety refried beans, all bound together by gooey, melted cheese. The freshness of pico de gallo, guacamole, and salsa cuts through the richness, while a touch of jalapeño adds a welcome kick. This robust dish is a fantastic choice for those looking for a satisfying, naturally gluten-free appetizer, provided your tortilla chips and toppings are certified gluten-free. It’s a hearty, crave-worthy snack that feels indulgent but comes together surprisingly quickly.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and proteins. You can easily swap out the seasoned ground beef for shredded chicken or seasoned black beans for a delicious vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a fiery Pepper Jack for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper, or pile on extra jalapeños and hot sauce for more heat. Don't have pico de gallo? Use extra salsa instead!
Serving & Context
These loaded nachos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for game day gatherings like the Super Bowl, festive parties, or simply a fun family dinner. Serve them piping hot directly from the pan for an irresistible centerpiece, perfect alongside your favorite cold drink.