Loaded Beef and Cheese Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven: If opting to melt the cheese in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- 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.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the seasoned ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chips, ensuring good distribution for every bite.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the beef layer for a delicious cheesy cover.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
