Description
This Ultimate Nachos Recipe features layers of crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finished with fresh jalapeños, tomatoes, olives, green onions, cilantro, creamy avocado, sour cream, and zesty salsa, it’s the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for game days, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large bag (about 12 oz) tortilla chips
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
Toppings
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the nachos.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner bite.
- Season Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, allowing flavors to meld.
- Assemble First Layer: On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, spread half of the tortilla chips evenly. Top with half of the cooked beef, black beans, corn kernels, and both cheeses equally.
- Assemble Second Layer: Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, then layer the rest of the beef, black beans, corn, and cheeses evenly over the chips.
- Bake Nachos: Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheeses have melted completely and are bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately top with the sliced jalapeños, diced tomato, black olives, green onions, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado.
- Serve: Drizzle the sour cream over the top or serve on the side along with salsa or pico de gallo and lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy your ultimate nachos warm!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase black beans or add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein alternative.
- Customize toppings to your liking with additions such as pickled onions, queso, jalapeño slices, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and seasoning to keep the dish gluten-free.
