Loaded Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe

Introduction

Loaded nachos are the ultimate weekend treat, perfect for sharing with friends or family. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings to create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 large bag (12-16 ounces) tortilla chips (restaurant-style thick preferred)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Optional: Diced tomatoes, black olives, queso fresco

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Mix in the black beans, kidney beans if using, and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to melt the cheese in the oven.
6. Step 6: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter.
7. Step 7: Spoon the ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Alternatively, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
10. Step 10: Add dollops of sour cream and guacamole, spoon on salsa, and sprinkle with pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add any optional toppings you like.
11. Step 11: Serve the nachos immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the beef mixture.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
• Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for varied flavor.
• Try layering the chips and toppings to create multiple cheesy layers for larger crowds.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to keep chips from becoming soggy. Fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa are best added fresh when serving leftovers.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make loaded nachos vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the beans and veggies. You can also use vegetarian taco seasoning to boost flavor.

How can I keep nachos from getting soggy?

Serve immediately after assembling and melting the cheese. Layer chips and toppings carefully to avoid moisture buildup, and add fresh toppings like guacamole and sour cream just before serving.

Loaded Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

Loaded Nachos are a delicious and satisfying weekend meal featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, melted cheeses, and colorful fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and cilantro. This easy-to-make dish combines bold Tex-Mex flavors perfect for sharing with family and friends.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack/Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chips and Meat

• 1 large bag (12–16 ounces) tortilla chips (restaurant-style thick preferred)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

Vegetables and Beans

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained

Seasoning and Sauces

• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)

Toppings

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Optional: diced tomatoes, black olives, queso fresco

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
4. Add Beans and Corn: Mix in the rinsed and drained black beans, kidney beans if using, and drained corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
5. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you prefer melted cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is optional as you can also serve the cheese unmelted.
6. Assemble the Nachos: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter to create an even base.
7. Add Meat Mixture: Spoon the warm ground beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chips to ensure every bite is flavorful.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
9. Bake or Broil (Optional): Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, broil on high for 2-3 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
10. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and dollop sour cream and guacamole across the top. Spoon on salsa and sprinkle with sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add any other desired toppings such as diced tomatoes or black olives.
11. Serve Immediately: Serve the loaded nachos right away to enjoy the perfect combination of warm melted cheese and fresh toppings.

Notes

• For extra heat, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños or add fresh diced jalapeños.
• If you prefer vegetarian nachos, omit the ground beef and add additional beans or sautéed vegetables.
• Use a thick, sturdy chip to prevent sogginess when adding wet toppings.
• Leftover nachos can be reheated in the oven but are best eaten fresh.
• Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference or dietary needs.

Keywords: Loaded nachos, beef nachos, Tex-Mex snack, party appetizers, cheesy nachos