Introduction
Tremendous Loaded Beef Nachos are the epitome of a flavor-packed snack or meal. Layered with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, fresh veggies, and topped with sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeños, these nachos are a mouthwatering treat that everyone will devour. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the main dish, they’re sure to be the highlight of your gathering.
Ingredients (Quantities)
- Tortilla chips: 8-10 cups (about 1 large bag)
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet (or homemade seasoning: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika)
- Onion: 1/2 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Refried beans: 1/2 cup (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded
- Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup (100g), shredded
- Jalapeños: 2-3, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- Tomatoes: 1 large, diced
- Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced (optional)
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
- Lettuce: 1 cup, shredded (optional)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Guacamole: 1/2 cup (optional, for extra richness)
- Lime wedges: 4-6 wedges, for serving
Optional Toppings
- Salsa: For an extra layer of flavor
- Hot sauce: For those who like it spicier
- Shredded chicken or pork: As an alternative to ground beef
- Pico de gallo: For a fresh, zesty topping
Instructions
- Prepare the beef:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Once the beef starts to brown, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup), cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully seasoned and the mixture is well-combined.
- Set the seasoned beef mixture aside.
- Assemble the nachos:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- If using refried beans, dollop small spoonfuls of the beans on top of the chips. Spread the seasoned beef evenly over the chips and beans.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the entire nacho pile.
- Bake the nachos:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chips are crisp but not burnt.
- Add fresh toppings:
- Once the nachos are out of the oven, top with fresh diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, and olives. Add lettuce if desired for crunch.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, a few dollops of sour cream and guacamole, and a few lime wedges on the side.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, beefy goodness!
Tips for Success
- Layering: For the best results, layer your nachos. Start with a layer of chips, then beef, then cheese, and repeat until you’ve used everything. This ensures every chip is covered in beef and cheese.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. For extra flavor, try using a combination of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and queso blanco.
- Don’t overbake: Be sure to keep an eye on the nachos while they’re in the oven so the chips don’t burn, and the cheese gets perfectly melted.
Recommendations
- Side drinks: Pair these nachos with a cold beer, margaritas, or a refreshing iced tea.
- Serve with sides: For a full meal, serve these nachos alongside a simple salad or Mexican rice.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 25g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 6g
These Tremendous Loaded Beef Nachos are a bold and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings for something cheesy, meaty, and crunchy. With all the right toppings and layers, they’re the perfect indulgence for a movie night, party, or just a fun dinner!
