Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans
Nachos
- 14 oz. thick/sturdy tortilla chips
- 3 ¾ cups freshly shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend recommended)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
- ¼ cup finely diced red onions
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped
For Serving
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the nachos.
- Cook Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook and crumble the beef for 7-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning along with ¾ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the refried beans until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Nachos – First Layer: Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly on a large, light-colored baking sheet (around 11 x 16 inches works well). Distribute half of the beef and bean mixture in scoops across and along the edges of the chips. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over this layer.
- Assemble Nachos – Second Layer: Top with the remaining tortilla chips, then add the rest of the beef mixture and cheese on top.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Scatter the diced bell peppers, sliced jalapenos, finely diced red onions, and sliced black olives evenly over the top layer of chips and cheese.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately sprinkle the diced Roma tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro over the top. Add generous scoops of guacamole and serve with bowls of salsa and sour cream alongside for dipping.
Notes
- Use thick and sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess when layering and baking.
- For best flavor, shred your own cheese blend such as cheddar and Monterey Jack instead of pre-shredded cheese for better melt and texture.
- Taco seasoning can be substituted with homemade seasoning for a fresher taste.
- Customize toppings with extras like jalapenos for heat or additional fresh veggies according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
