Loaded Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe

Introduction

Loaded nachos are the ultimate weekend treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a crowd-pleasing snack or meal.

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. 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 has thickened slightly.
4. Step 4: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans (if using), and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake the nachos.
6. Step 6: Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
7. Step 7: Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the chips.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
9. Step 9: To melt the cheese, bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until bubbly, or broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
10. Step 10: Dollop with sour cream and guacamole, spoon on salsa, and sprinkle with sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Add any other desired toppings.
11. Step 11: Serve the nachos immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of warm cheesy layers and fresh garnishes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes or black olives as toppings.
• Use a mix of cheeses like queso fresco or pepper jack for a different twist.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add extra beans and veggies.
• Adjust jalapeños to suit your heat preference or substitute with fresh jalapeños for more spice.

Storage

Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy chips.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef mixture in advance?

Yes, you can cook the ground beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it on the stove before assembling the nachos.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well as alternatives for the beef in this recipe.

Loaded Nachos: The Perfect Weekend Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

Loaded Nachos are a delicious and crowd-pleasing weekend meal featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, black beans, corn, and an array of fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions. Perfect for sharing, these nachos combine savory, spicy, and creamy flavors for a satisfying and indulgent snack or appetizer.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

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 while breaking it up with a spatula. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the mixture from being too oily.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook it until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, blending the spices beautifully into the meat.
4. Mix in Beans and Corn: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, optional kidney beans, and drained corn. Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until everything is heated through evenly.
5. Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you choose to bake the nachos. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter for even topping coverage.
6. Add Meat Mixture: Evenly spoon the prepared ground beef and bean mixture over the layer of tortilla chips, distributing it to ensure every chip gets some flavorful topping.
7. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the beef and chips, covering as much of the surface as possible for maximum cheesiness.
8. Bake or Broil (Optional): Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning and achieve a nice bubbly, golden-top.
9. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately top with dollops of sour cream and guacamole. Spoon on salsa, then scatter sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions. Add any additional toppings like diced tomatoes, black olives, or queso fresco if desired.
10. Serve Immediately: For best taste and texture, serve the loaded nachos immediately after assembling to enjoy the combination of crispy chips with warm, melted cheese and fresh, creamy toppings.

Notes

• Use thick restaurant-style tortilla chips to prevent sogginess under the toppings.
• Kidney beans are optional and can be omitted or substituted for more black beans.
• Adjust jalapeños to your preferred spice level or leave out for a milder dish.
• To speed up preparation, use pre-shredded cheeses and store-bought guacamole and salsa.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with seasoned plant-based protein or extra beans.
• Leftover nachos can be refrigerated and reheated, but chips may lose crispness.

Keywords: nachos, loaded nachos, taco seasoned beef, cheese nachos, Mexican appetizer, party snacks, game day food