Loaded Beef and Cheese Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe

Introduction

Loaded nachos are the ultimate weekend comfort food, perfect for sharing with friends and family. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and melted cheese with fresh toppings for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

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)
• 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

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Step 4: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans (if using), and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to melt the cheese in the oven.
6. Step 6: Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
7. Step 7: Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the chips.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
9. Step 9: Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Step 10: Dollop with sour cream and guacamole. Spoon on salsa. Sprinkle with sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add any other desired toppings.
11. Step 11: Serve the nachos immediately after assembling them for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to hold up under the toppings without getting soggy.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add diced tomatoes or black olives for extra color and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add fresh sliced jalapeños.
• Make your own guacamole and salsa for fresher, more vibrant toppings.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the chips from becoming soggy. Add fresh toppings like sour cream and guacamole after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make loaded nachos ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture and toppings ahead, but assemble and bake the nachos right before serving to keep the chips crispy.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite melting cheeses such as pepper jack, queso blanco, or a Mexican blend for varied flavor and texture.

Loaded Beef and Cheese Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 117 reviews

Loaded Nachos are a deliciously satisfying weekend meal featuring crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of melted cheeses. Topped with creamy sour cream, guacamole, zesty salsa, and fresh garnishes, this dish offers a perfect combination of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors that are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. 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.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant, building layers of flavor.
3. Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly for a rich taste.
4. Add Beans and Corn: Mix in the rinsed black beans, kidney beans (if using), and drained corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through evenly.
5. Preheat the Oven: If opting to melt the cheese in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
6. Arrange Tortilla Chips: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, creating a solid base for toppings.
7. Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the seasoned ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chips, ensuring good distribution for every bite.
8. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the beef layer for a delicious cheesy cover.
9. Melt the Cheese (Optional): Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Alternatively, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Add Final Toppings: Dollop sour cream and guacamole over the nachos, then spoon on salsa. Sprinkle with pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and any additional toppings you prefer.
11. Serve Immediately: Serve the loaded nachos right away to enjoy the cheese while warm and the chips at their crispiest.

Notes

• For extra spice, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add fresh diced jalapeños.
• Kidney beans are optional and can be omitted or substituted depending on preference or dietary needs.
• Using a mix of cheeses provides better melting and flavor contrast; Mexican cheese blends are a great alternative.
• Serve with additional salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for guests to customize their nachos.
• Use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips to prevent sogginess and ensure crispiness.

Keywords: loaded nachos, beef nachos, Mexican appetizer, cheese nachos, party food, tortilla chips, easy weekend meal