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Best Easy Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef Recipe

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This easy loaded nacho bar with ground beef is the ultimate party food—quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or a fun weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • 1 large bag (12–14 ounces) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup guacamole
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then break into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in water or beef broth, stir, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until most liquid evaporates. Set aside.
  4. Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips. Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef over the cheese, followed by half of the black beans (if using) and half of the pickled jalapeños.
  5. Arrange the remaining chips on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, ground beef, black beans, and pickled jalapeños over the top.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra color, watching closely.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, diced tomato, green onions, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Double-layer the chips and cheese to ensure every chip gets toppings. Use sturdy chips like restaurant-style or scoop-shaped. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Keep hot and cold toppings separate—add cold toppings after baking. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for seasoned black beans or plant-based crumble.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, loaded nachos, ground beef nachos, nacho bar, party food, game day food, easy dinner

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