Loaded Nachos

Why Make This Recipe

Loaded nachos are a fun and tasty dish that everyone loves. They combine crispy tortilla chips with layers of savory meats, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for game day, a movie night, or even a quick dinner, they are easy to make and even more enjoyable to share. The best part? You can customize the toppings to fit your taste. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that brings everyone together.

How to Make Loaded Nachos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
• 14 oz. tortilla chips
• 3 3/4 cups freshly shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onions
• 1/3 cup sliced black olives
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped
• Guacamole, for serving
• Salsa, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Measure all the ingredients before starting.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain off excess grease.
3. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir in water and bring to a boil, allowing it to thicken for a few minutes. Reduce to a simmer and mix in refried beans until fully combined.
4. Spread half the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Layer with half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
5. Scatter diced bell peppers, jalapeños, red onions, and black olives over the top.
6. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side!

How to Serve Loaded Nachos

Serve the loaded nachos straight from the oven while they are hot and cheesy. Place them on a large platter or individual plates. Add the guacamole, salsa, and sour cream in small bowls on the side so everyone can help themselves. Enjoy with friends or family for a fun and interactive meal.

How to Store Loaded Nachos

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm or microwave them in short intervals until heated through. Keep in mind that the chips might not stay as crispy when reheated.

Tips to Make Loaded Nachos

• To make your nachos even cheesier, try mixing different kinds of cheese.
• For added flavor, consider adding some cooked black beans or corn to the meat mixture.
• If you prefer vegetarian nachos, swap the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or using a milder cheese.

Variation

You can create different versions of loaded nachos by changing the protein. Try shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even a meat-free substitute. Each option brings a unique taste and texture to the dish, keeping things fresh and exciting.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meat alternatives?
Yes, store-bought meat alternatives like plant-based ground beef can work great in this recipe for a vegetarian or vegan option.

What kind of cheese works best for nachos?
Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, and a blended cheese work well. Mix them for a great combination of flavors!

Can I make loaded nachos in advance?
While it’s best to assemble and bake loaded nachos fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Loaded Nachos

Loaded nachos are a fun and tasty dish featuring crispy tortilla chips layered with savory meats, melted cheese, and fresh toppings - perfect for gatherings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Nacho Base

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz.)
• 1 can refried beans (16 oz.)
• 14 oz. tortilla chips
• 3 3/4 cups freshly shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

For the Toppings

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 unit jalapeno pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onions
• 1/3 cup sliced black olives
• 2 unit Roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 unit green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped

For Serving

• Guacamole, for serving
• Salsa, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Measure all the ingredients before starting.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain off excess grease.

Cooking

1. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir in water and bring to a boil, allowing it to thicken for a few minutes.
2. Reduce to a simmer and mix in refried beans until fully combined.
3. Spread half the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Layer with half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips, meat mixture, and cheese.
4. Scatter diced bell peppers, jalapeños, red onions, and black olives over the top.
5. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

1. Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream on the side!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals. Chips may not stay crispy when reheated. For cheesier nachos, try mixing different kinds of cheese or adding cooked black beans or corn.

Dave