Save A crowd-pleasing platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings—perfect for sharing at parties or game nights.
This recipe quickly became a favorite for game nights in my home because everyone loves layering their own nachos.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g), 80/20 or leaner
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Tortilla chips: 10 oz (280 g), sturdy
- Shredded cheese: 2 cups (200 g), cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Canned black beans: 1 cup (150 g), drained and rinsed
- Tomato: 1 medium, diced
- Pickled jalapeño slices: ½ cup (60 g)
- Black olives: ½ cup (60 g), sliced, optional
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g), chopped
- Avocado: 1 medium, diced, optional
- Green onions: 2, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned about 5 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and garlic sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add water and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until most liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Arrange chips:
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
- Add toppings:
- Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips. Sprinkle black beans then cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Top:
- Remove from oven and immediately top with diced tomato, jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and avocado if using.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with sour cream or serve on the side. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Save This dish brings my family together every time we need an easy meal to share while watching the game.
Notes
Swap ground turkey or plant-based crumble for a lighter or vegetarian version. Add corn, diced bell peppers, or your favorite salsa for extra flavor. Pair with a crisp lager or a zesty margarita.
Required Tools
Large sheet pan, skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) check cheese and sour cream labels for possible additives. Contains gluten if using wheat-based chips choose gluten-free tortilla chips if needed. Contains avocado for those with latex/avocado allergies. Contains legumes (black beans).
Save Sheet pan nachos are the perfect easy crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts well and complements the savory beef and spices.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles provide lighter or vegetarian-friendly alternatives.
- → How do I keep the chips crispy after baking?
Use sturdy tortilla chips and avoid adding too many moist toppings before baking to maintain crispiness.
- → What spices enhance the flavor of the beef?
Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion build a rich and balanced spice profile.
- → Are there recommended serving suggestions?
Serve directly from the pan with sour cream on the side and pair with a crisp lager or zesty margarita.