Description
This Loaded Beef Nachos recipe combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, black beans, and melted cheddar cheese layered over crispy tortilla chips. Baked to perfection and topped with fresh garnishes like sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado, these nachos make a perfect appetizer or snack for gatherings and game days, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, undrained
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning blend
- Tortilla chips, enough to cover a baking sheet in a single layer
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream, for serving
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add the Veggies: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Seasoning and Beans: Stir in the taco seasoning and the entire can of black beans, including the liquid. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the liquid thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking sheet, spread out a single layer of tortilla chips. Evenly spoon the beef and bean mixture on top of the chips, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven and add your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For leaner meat, choose 90% lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
- Homemade taco seasoning typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Use sturdy tortilla chips that hold toppings well to avoid sogginess.
- Cheddar cheese can be replaced or mixed with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra spice.
- Draining excess fat after browning beef helps create less greasy nachos.
- Simmering the beef mixture with beans and seasoning allows flavors to deepen and moisture to reduce for optimal topping consistency.
