Name: Loaded Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; ¼ cup red onion, finely diced; 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional); ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup guacamole; Salsa or hot sauce, for serving; Salt and pepper, to taste

Get ready to meet your new obsession-these Loaded Nachos are ridiculously delicious and absolutely impossible to resist! Crispy tortilla chips layered with juicy, seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings create epic bites bursting with flavor and crunch.

What makes this recipe stand out? It's insanely easy to whip up, ultra-customizable, and bound to please a hungry crowd. Whether you're feeding your family on movie night or dazzling guests at your next game-day gathering, these nachos will steal the show.

Inspired by classic Tex-Mex comfort with a few of my favorite toppings, this is the nacho recipe everyone's always asking for at get-togethers. One pan, endless flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes-what more could you want?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with layers of bold, crowd-pleasing flavors
Quick and easy-on the table in about 30 minutes
Highly customizable-swap in your favorite proteins, cheeses, and toppings
Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family dinner night

Key Ingredients for Loaded Nachos Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Tortilla Chips

The backbone of any glorious nacho platter! Sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips hold up best to generous toppings without going soggy. Aim for thicker chips-thin, delicate ones break down too easily under all that cheesy goodness. You can use white, yellow, or even blue corn chips, or bake your own from corn tortillas for an extra crunch.

Ground Beef

Rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned, ground beef brings heartiness and classic Tex-Mex flavor to your nachos. Use 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef for tasty, juicy results. You can substitute ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even crumbled tofu for different twists.

Cheese

Cheese is the magic that binds everything together! Use a blend of shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for the ultimate melt and flavor combo. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own from the block melts even more smoothly. Want some heat? Toss in a handful of Pepper Jack.

Black Beans

Creamy black beans add protein, fiber, and extra texture to the mix. Canned beans are super convenient-just rinse and drain before using. Pinto beans or refried beans work great as swaps, or skip beans if you prefer.

Toppings

Fresh toppings like sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro add color, crunch, and a burst of freshness to every bite. Mix and match based on what you love! Hot sauce, salsa, or pickled onions are delicious additions, too.

Instructions for Loaded Nachos Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your nachos bake up bubbly, melty, and perfectly crisp.

Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and mostly cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Layer the Nachos

On a large oven-safe sheet pan or cast iron skillet, spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. Top with half of the cooked beef, black beans, and a generous sprinkle of both cheeses. Repeat with the remaining chips, beef, beans, and cheeses to create decadent, double layers.

Bake Until Melty

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so the chips don't burn-the cheese should be gooey and irresistible.

Add the Toppings

Once out of the oven, immediately scatter on cherry tomatoes, diced onion, sliced jalapeños, and olives. Dollop with sour cream, spoon on guacamole, and shower with fresh cilantro. Serve hot, passing salsa and hot sauce at the table.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the beef and double up on the black beans, or add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty, savory vegetarian version. Crumbled tofu with taco seasoning is another tasty choice!

Lighten It Up

Opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and choose reduced-fat cheese for a lighter spin without sacrificing flavor.

Go Spicy

Love heat? Mix in chopped chiles with your beef or pile on pickled jalapeños and a swirl of your favorite spicy hot sauce right before serving.

Gluten-Free Nachos

Most tortilla chips are gluten-free, but double-check your packaging. Be sure your taco seasoning is free of additives if you need a gluten-friendly platter.

Deluxe Nachos Supreme

Load up your nachos with extras like corn, diced avocado, or even a drizzle of queso. Crumbled bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken are also amazing add-ons!

Serving Suggestions

Loaded Nachos are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, with plenty of napkins! For the ultimate party spread, serve them alongside bowls of Mexican street corn (elote), a simple green salad, or fresh fruit salsa. Don't forget the lime wedges and extra guacamole for dipping!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover nachos are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, remove any cold toppings first. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until the chips are hot and the cheese is melty again. Freezing is not recommended as the chips may turn soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Nachos Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I make loaded nachos in advance?

A: You can prep the beef and toppings ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the chips crisp and the cheese gooey.

Q: What are the best chips for loaded nachos?

A: Use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can handle lots of toppings without breaking or getting soggy.

Q: How do I prevent soggy nachos?

A: Bake right before serving and avoid overloading the chips with wet ingredients. Layer ingredients evenly and serve immediately for best texture.

Ready to dive into a pan of the very best Loaded Nachos? Give this recipe a try and let me know how yours turn out! Drop a comment or rating below-I'd love to hear your favorite nacho toppings and how you made them your own.