Loaded Beef Nachos (Quick and Easy Recipe)

Name: Loaded Beef Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef ([Note 1]); 1 small onion (diced); 1 bell pepper (diced); 1 can (15 oz black beans, undrained [Note 2]); 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend [Note 3]); Tortilla chips (enough to cover the baking sheet in a single layer [Note 4]); 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded [Note 5]); Sour cream (for serving (optional)); Sliced jalapeños (for topping (optional)); Fresh cilantro (chopped (optional)); Sliced avocado (for topping (optional))

These loaded beef nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying. They come together in just 30 minutes and are endlessly customizable!

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Close-up of loaded beef nachos topped with melted cheese, sliced avocado, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sour cream, served in a black skillet.

Packed with flavor and topped with fresh ingredients, these loaded beef nachos are the perfect blend of savory and satisfying. When my husband and I first tested this recipe and sat down to eat, we couldn’t even focus on our TV show – these nachos were just that good! The beef mixture is moist and packed with flavor, while the melted cheese and crispy tortilla chips deliver the perfect crunch in every bite.

To take them over the top, we added fresh toppings like sliced avocados, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños, plus our homemade creamy chipotle sauce, which adds a smoky kick.

Trust me, these nachos are better than anything we’ve ever had at a restaurant, and the fact that they’re homemade makes them even more special. They’ve quickly become a go-to treat in our house, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

What We Think You’ll Love About This Recipe

Kid-Friendly. The core recipe is simple and flavorful, but mild enough for young palates. Plus, kids love the idea of eating with their hands and customizing their own toppings.
Customizable Toppings. The nachos can be personalized with your favorite toppings, whether you like it mild for kids or spicy for adults. Families can make this meal their own.
Quick and Easy. With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends. No need to spend hours in the kitchen!
Crowd-Pleaser. Whether it’s for movie night, game day, or a fun family dinner, everyone will love these nachos. It’s a dish that brings people together around the table.
Minimal Clean-Up. With one skillet for the beef and a baking sheet for the nachos, there’s not a lot of clean-up to worry about—perfect for busy families.

Ingredient Overview

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

This recipe is made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and hearty dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some substitution suggestions:

Ground Beef. The hearty base of the nacho mixture, ground beef provides savory flavor. We recommend 80/20 ground beef. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute with 90/10 ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using crumbled tempeh or plant-based meat substitutes.
Onion and Bell Pepper. These vegetables add depth and sweetness to the beef mixture. You can use any color bell pepper you prefer – red, green, yellow, or orange. If you’re short on time, pre-diced frozen onion and bell pepper mixes can be a great time-saver. You can also dice the onions and bell pepper ahead of time and store them in your fridge for 3-5 days.
Black Beans. Using undrained canned black beans adds moisture and flavor. You can substitute pinto or even kidney beans.
Taco Seasoning. A packet of taco seasoning gives the beef its signature flavor. You can use a homemade blend (a recipe is provided in the recipe card below) or substitute with your favorite spice mix. For a lower-sodium option, consider using a salt-free taco seasoning.
Tortilla Chips. Choose thicker tortilla chips, not the thin and crispy kind. If you prefer a healthier option, look for baked tortilla chips or make your own by cutting corn tortillas into wedges and baking them until crispy.
Cheddar Cheese. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully. You can substitute with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Toppings. Fresh toppings like sliced avocados, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños enhance the nachos with freshness and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on your family’s preferences. Other great toppings include sour cream, guacamole, or sliced olives.

Make Ahead Tips

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time. To save time on busy days, you can dice the onion and bell pepper 3 to 5 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cook and Store the Beef Mixture. You can also cook the beef mixture ahead of time. After browning the beef and adding the seasoning and black beans, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave and assemble your nachos.
Assemble Right Before Serving. Be sure to assemble the nachos just before baking. This guarantees that the chips stay crispy and the cheese melts perfectly!

Tips for Success

To make sure your ground beef nachos turn out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese. For the best melt, shred your cheese fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Avoid Overloading the Chips. While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, less is more when it comes to keeping the nachos crispy. Spread the beef mixture evenly without overloading any single chip to maintain a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Layer the Nachos. If you’re making a big batch, consider doing two layers: start with a base of tortilla chips, add some beef and cheese, then add another layer of chips, beef, and cheese. This guarentees every bite has toppings without leaving the bottom layer soggy.
Watch the Bake Time. Keep an eye on the nachos as they bake, especially towards the end. You want the cheese to melt and become bubbly, but not burn. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 8-minute mark.
Serve Immediately. For the crispiest, freshest nachos, serve them right after baking. This prevents the chips from getting soggy and ensures the cheese stays gooey and perfect.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers. If you have leftover nachos (though they’re so delicious, it’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the chips may lose some of their crispiness after being stored.
Reheating. To reheat the nachos, it’s best to use an oven or toaster oven to restore some of the crispiness. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the nachos on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chips are warm and slightly crisp. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the chips may become soft.
Beef Mixture. If you’ve made extra beef and bean mixture, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This can be reheated in a skillet or microwave and used to make fresh nachos or even tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or a taco salad.

FAQs

To prevent sogginess, serve the nachos right after baking, and avoid overloading the chips with too much beef mixture. Another option is to layer the nachos in smaller batches, baking them in shifts so the chips stay crisp.

If you like a little extra heat, you can add more cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the nachos before baking. Topping them with extra sliced jalapeños or drizzling with hot sauce is another great option.

Yes, you can assemble the nachos and cook them in the air fryer if you prefer. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn, as air fryers can cook faster than ovens.

Related Recipes

If you loved these loaded beef nachos, check out these other crowd-pleasing recipes that are perfect for sharing with family and friends:

Chicken Pesto Quesadilla. A twist on classic quesadillas, this version features tender chicken, melted cheese, and a bold pesto sauce, offering a delicious and unique flavor combination.
Breakfast Nachos. Who says nachos are only for lunch or dinner? These breakfast nachos are a fun and flavorful way to start your day, loaded with breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, cheese, and chorizo.
Ground Beef Taco Salad. For a lighter option, try this ground beef taco salad, packed with seasoned beef, crunchy lettuce, and all your favorite taco toppings. It’s a great, fresh alternative when you’re craving something a little different.
Beef Soft Tacos. Just like the nachos, but in taco form! These tacos are loaded with seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and plenty of cheese for an easy, customizable meal.

Close-up of loaded beef nachos with melted cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and sliced avocado in a black skillet, with an avocado and fresh cilantro in the background.

Prep Time:10

Cook Time:20

Total Time:30

Equipment

Baking sheet

Box grater or food processor with a grater disc

Food processor or box grater

Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon

Large skillet

Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef [Note 1]
1 small onion diced
1 bell pepper diced
1 can 15 oz black beans, undrained [Note 2]
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade seasoning blend [Note 3]
Tortilla chips enough to cover the baking sheet in a single layer [Note 4]
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded [Note 5]
Sour cream for serving (optional)
Sliced jalapeños for topping (optional)
Fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
Sliced avocado for topping (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. [Note 6]
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in the taco seasoning and the entire can of black beans (including the liquid). Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the liquid to thicken slightly. [Note 7]
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking sheet, spread out a single layer of tortilla chips. Top with the beef and bean mixture, spreading it evenly across the chips. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the nachos from the oven and top with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

We recommend 80/20 ground beef. It provides just the right amount of moisture from fat.
Using the liquid from the black beans instead of draining them keeps the beef and bean mixture moist and flavorful. It eliminates the need for added water.
You can use store-bought taco seasoning for convenience, or make your own:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (use smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) Instructions: Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. Use the full blend in the recipe as a substitute for a store-bought taco seasoning packet. You can also store any extra in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Thicker tortilla chips work best for this recipe, as they can hold up to the toppings without getting soggy. Avoid using thin and crispy chips, which can become too delicate for the beef and cheese layers.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. You can also mix cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
Draining excess fat: This step is important to avoid greasy nachos. After browning the beef, drain the fat carefully to keep the nachos from becoming soggy.
Simmering the mixture: Allow the beans and their liquid to simmer with the beef and seasoning. The liquid will reduce slightly, enhancing the flavor and creating a moist, saucy topping for your nachos.