Name: The Best Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 1 bag tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños; 1/4 cup diced onions (optional); 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving); 1/4 cup guacamole (for serving); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (optional)

Craving something delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a crowd? Look no further than the ultimate comfort food—homemade nachos with ground beef! Loaded with savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings, these nachos are perfect for game day, family dinners, or a casual gathering with friends. Whether you’re serving a large group or just want something fun and satisfying, this recipe is a winner every time. So, get ready to dive into a plate of these crispy, cheesy nachos, and read on to learn how to make the best homemade nachos with ground beef!

What Are Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef?

Homemade nachos with ground beef are a simple yet delicious dish made by layering crispy tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and various toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. Nachos originated in Mexico but have become a staple in American cuisine, particularly as an easy and customizable appetizer or snack. Ground beef is typically cooked with taco seasoning or other spices to bring a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the nachos. The great thing about nachos is their versatility—you can load them up with your favorite toppings or keep them simple. Either way, they’re always a hit!

Ingredients List for Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef

For the Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
½ cup water
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

For the Nachos:

1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 ounces)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
1 large tomato, diced
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa or pico de gallo
Sliced green onions

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about homemade nachos is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to make them vegetarian, gluten-free, or add your own personal flair, here are some ideas:

Meat Substitutes: If you want a lighter option or don’t eat beef, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, feel free to use any melting cheese you prefer, like queso fresco, pepper jack, or even mozzarella.
Toppings: Swap out the traditional toppings for things like pickled onions, grilled corn, or avocado slices. If you prefer, you can use refried beans instead of black beans for a creamier texture.
Gluten-Free Option: Most tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to double-check the packaging. You can also use homemade or gluten-free chips if preferred.
Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, try using cheese crisps, pork rinds, or even slices of bell peppers as a base instead of tortilla chips.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s get into the details of how to make the best homemade nachos with ground beef, step by step.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. If using garlic, add it now and cook for 1 more minute. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Nachos

First Layer of Chips: On your prepared baking sheet, spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. This helps the chips get evenly coated with toppings.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the chips. This will melt and act as the “glue” that holds everything together.
Top with Beef: Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the cheese and chips.
Add More Toppings: Sprinkle some black beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and any other toppings like jalapeños or olives evenly over the first layer.
Second Layer of Chips: Add the remaining tortilla chips on top of the first layer.
More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, followed by the rest of the ground beef and any other toppings you'd like to add.

Step 4: Bake the Nachos

Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the nachos to prevent them from burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the nachos are out of the oven, sprinkle them with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

How to Cook Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect homemade nachos with ground beef requires a few key steps:

Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef and add flavorful seasonings for that delicious taco flavor.
Layer the Nachos: Build the nachos with alternating layers of chips, cheese, and beef to ensure each bite is full of flavor.
Bake Until Melty: Pop the nachos in the oven until the cheese is gooey and the toppings are heated through.
Add Fresh Toppings: Finish with fresh garnishes like cilantro and serve with dipping sauces for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the Chips: Be careful not to pile too many toppings on the chips, as this can result in soggy nachos. Spread them evenly in layers to avoid this.
Not Using Enough Cheese: The cheese acts as the “glue” that holds everything together. Don’t skimp on it!
Burning the Chips: Keep an eye on the nachos while they’re baking to avoid burning the edges. Pull them out once the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Homemade nachos with ground beef are easy to serve and can be customized with different toppings for a fun and interactive meal. Here’s how to serve them:

How to Serve Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef

Serve nachos family-style on a large platter, so everyone can grab a few chips with their favorite toppings.
Offer a variety of dips like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or queso on the side.
You can also serve nacho-style tacos by setting up a taco bar with all the nacho ingredients so people can assemble their own creations.

Presentation Ideas for Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef

Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado slices for a colorful, fresh look.
Serve the nachos on a rustic wooden board or in a cast-iron skillet to make the dish look more rustic and hearty.
Add a few lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their nachos for a zesty finish.

Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef Recipe Tips

Layering is Key: To ensure every chip is loaded with toppings, layer your ingredients evenly across the chips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions really brighten up the dish and give it a homemade feel.
Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still gooey. Serve them hot for maximum enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make nachos ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the nachos right before serving to keep them crispy. You can prepare the beef and chop the toppings in advance, but assemble and bake the nachos just before serving.

How do I prevent nachos from getting soggy?

To keep your nachos crispy, layer the chips, cheese, and beef evenly. Adding too many wet toppings like salsa before baking can make the chips soggy, so it’s best to add fresh toppings like salsa or sour cream after baking.

What’s the best cheese for nachos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are great for nachos because they melt easily and provide a rich, cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

These homemade nachos with ground beef are loaded with flavor, simple to make, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for a fun family dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to please a crowd. Customize the toppings, experiment with different cheeses, or keep things classic—whatever you choose, these nachos will be an instant hit. Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the best nachos ever!