Loaded Nachos with Ground Beef are a fantastic mix of crispy tortilla chips piled high with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh tomatoes, crunchy onions, and a drizzle of cool sour cream. This dish has the perfect balance of textures and flavors that make every bite exciting and satisfying.
I love making loaded nachos when I have friends over because they’re so easy to customize and share. You can add extra jalapeños if you like a little heat or swap in some black beans for a veggie boost. The seasoned ground beef always gives the nachos a rich and hearty flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
My favorite way to enjoy these nachos is straight from the oven while they’re still warm and gooey, with a side of guacamole and salsa to dip. They’re great for game nights, movie nights, or even a casual dinner. It’s one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something really fun and delicious to eat together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show, giving your nachos a rich, hearty flavor. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, use cooked black beans or lentils instead.
Taco Seasoning: It adds a bold, spicy kick to the beef. If you don’t have a packet, you can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne at home. Adjust the heat level to your taste.
Tortilla Chips: Choose your favorite brand, but thick and sturdy chips work best—they hold up well under cheese and toppings without getting soggy quickly. Corn chips provide that classic crunch.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts well and offers sharp flavor. If you want a different taste, try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds.
Fresh Toppings: Tomatoes and green onions add brightness and texture. Feel free to add jalapeños, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and color.
How Do I Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted and Gooey?
Melting cheese evenly without burning your nachos can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Spread chips in a single layer on a baking dish to ensure even heating.
- Use plenty of shredded cheese and sprinkle it all over to cover the beef and chips.
- Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, watching closely. The cheese should be bubbly and just melted, not browned.
- Remove from oven as soon as the cheese melts to keep it soft and gooey—overbaking dries it out.
This method keeps your nachos melty and delicious, perfect for scooping and sharing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet or oven-safe dish – I prefer this because it gives plenty of space for spreading out chips and toppings.
- Skillet – helps you cook the ground beef and seasonings evenly.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – makes stirring and mixing easy and mess-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for portioning seasonings and toppings with accuracy.
- Cheese grater – if you’re shredding your own cheese, which melts best.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for cooked black beans or lentils to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or banana peppers if you love extra heat.
- Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole for creaminess.
- Add crumbled cooked bacon or chorizo for a smoky, savory boost.
Loaded Nachos with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag (about 10-12 ounces) tortilla chips
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, ¼ tsp onion powder, salt to taste)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sour cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the beef and seasoning, 10 minutes to bake the nachos until bubbly and melty, so about 20 minutes total from start to finish. Super quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any extra fat to keep it from being greasy.
2. Add Seasoning and Simmer:
Pour in the taco seasoning and water. Stir everything well and let it cook on low for 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend together and makes the beef nice and flavorful.
3. Assemble the Nachos:
Spread your tortilla chips out evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Spoon the seasoned beef over the chips in even amounts.
4. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef and chips. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Top and Serve:
Remove the nachos from the oven and sprinkle diced tomatoes and sliced green onions on top. Add some sour cream on the side or spoon it over the nachos if you like. Serve right away and enjoy the melty, flavorful goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the ground beef completely in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents extra moisture from affecting the nachos.
Can I Make Loaded Nachos Ahead of Time?
You can cook and season the ground beef in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the nachos right before serving to keep the chips crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help the cheese melt again and keep the chips from getting too soggy.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add jalapeños, black olives, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to customize your loaded nachos just the way you like.