When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a plate of loaded nachos. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, and melted cheese is irresistible. Today, I want to share my favorite recipe for Ground Beef with Cheese Loaded Nachos, a dish that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a simple family dinner. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and flavors.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make the best-loaded nachos, you need quality ingredients and a bit of preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet of taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bag tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Salsa (optional)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 small red onion, finely chopped
Lime wedges (optional)
1 jalapeño, sliced
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup guacamole
1 cup sour cream
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat.
Add the taco seasoning to the beef according to the packet instructions. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Layer the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chips.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese generously over the beef.
Add the black beans, corn, red onion, jalapeño, and diced tomatoes on top.
Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa if desired.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
The Key to Perfect Nachos
Creating the perfect plate of nachos isn’t just about following a recipe. It involves understanding the balance of flavors and textures that make this dish so appealing.
Choosing the Right Chips
The foundation of your nachos is the tortilla chips. Opt for thick, sturdy chips that can hold up to the toppings without becoming soggy. Avoid thin or overly salted chips, as they can overwhelm the other flavors.
The Meat
Ground beef is the classic choice for nachos, but you can experiment with other meats like chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh. Seasoning is crucial, so don’t skip the taco seasoning. It adds the necessary depth and spice to the beef.
Cheese
Cheese is the star of nachos. Use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a perfect melt and flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a gourmet twist.
Toppings Galore
One of the best things about nachos is the variety of toppings you can add. Here’s a closer look at some of the toppings used in this recipe:
Black Beans and Corn
These add a wonderful texture and a bit of sweetness. They also provide a nice contrast to the savory beef and spicy jalapeños.
Red Onion and Jalapeño
Red onion adds a slight bite and color, while jalapeños bring the heat. If you prefer milder nachos, you can use bell peppers instead.
Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes add juiciness and freshness to the nachos. For a more intense flavor, consider using roasted tomatoes or a homemade pico de gallo.
Guacamole and Sour Cream
These creamy toppings balance the spiciness of the beef and jalapeños. They also add a rich, luxurious texture to the dish.
Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a bit of herbal complexity. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or green onions.
Tips for the Best Nachos
To ensure your nachos are a hit every time, here are some additional tips:
Layering
Layering is key to making sure every chip has a bit of topping. Start with a layer of chips, then add beef and cheese. Repeat if you have more toppings to add.
Melting the Cheese
For the best melt, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Serving
Serve nachos hot from the oven to enjoy the gooey cheese and crisp chips. If you’re serving nachos at a party, consider setting up a nacho bar where guests can add their toppings.
Table: Ground Beef with Cheese Loaded Nachos Recipe Schedule
| Step | Description | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Preparation | Gather and prepare all ingredients (chop, shred, measure) | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Ground Beef | Cook and season ground beef. | 10 minutes |
| Layering Nachos | Layer chips, beef, cheese, and toppings on a baking sheet. | 5 minutes |
| Baking | Bake the nachos until the cheese is melted and bubbly. | 10-15 minutes |
| Adding Final Toppings | Add guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and other fresh toppings | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 45-50 minutes |
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Final Thoughts
Making Ground Beef with Cheese Loaded Nachos is a fun and rewarding experience. The combination of crispy chips, savory beef, and melty cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. With the right ingredients and a bit of attention to detail, you can create a dish that stands out at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these nachos are sure to be a hit. Thanks for all!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for beef with cheese nachos?
To make beef with cheese nachos, you will need the following ingredients:
Ground beef
Tortilla chips
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapenos
Chopped onions
Refried beans (optional)
Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Taco seasoning
How do you make beef with cheese nachos from scratch?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
Evenly distribute the cooked beef over the chips.
Add a layer of refried beans (optional), followed by a generous amount of shredded cheese.
Sprinkle diced tomatoes and sliced jalapenos on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
What type of cheese is best for loaded nachos?
The best types of cheese for loaded nachos are those that melt well and provide a rich, creamy flavor. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice because of its sharp flavor and good melting properties. Monterey Jack is also excellent due to its mild taste and smooth melt. For a bit of spice, Pepper Jack can be a great addition. Using a blend of these cheeses can give you the best combination of flavors and textures.