Piled high and layered with beef and cheese – let’s share a plate of these delicious Loaded Nachos!
Nachos have always been a crowd favorite, from big state fairs to appetizers at your favorite bar on trivia night. Bringing together layers of your favorite spicy ingredients – nachos seem to have a way of getting the party started. You could say the party first got started in the 1940s when nachos began being served in Northern Mexico by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya. The dish soon became popular in Texas and the rest is history.
In particular, sports and nachos have also gone hand in hand since their introduction to Texas ballparks in the 1970s. Something about the salty, portable snack made the event just a bit more special – even when your team was down and out. Variations of loaded nachos are seen today including chicken, beef, beans, salsa and more. Versatility and crave-ability have always made the loaded nachos a winning combination.
This loaded nachos recipe takes classic Tex-Mex flavors and combines them into one crowd-pleasing dish. Black beans, seasoned beef, salsa and jalapeños are included, together creating a salty, spicy, and zesty dish. You’ll enjoy sharing them as an appetizer on your own big game day, or as a fast and easy dinner for mid-week. Simple to put together but filling to enjoy – serving up a big plate of shareable nachos will certainly make your dinner decision an easy one.
Want to pair your nachos with a cocktail? Try some Mango Margaritas to take your fiesta to the next level. Or if you’re hungry for Chicken Nachos instead we have you covered!
Keeping It Crispy…
One of the secrets to well-executed nachos is keeping them crispy and not soggy from the layers of ingredients. To start, you will want to use a hearty corn chip which can withstand the layers of ingredients – with a thick cut rather than a thin version. As you layer your dish, be sure to drain any excess liquid from the corn, beans, tomatoes etc so that you can maintain the dish’s consistency as well. Melting your cheese on top at high heat will also help crisp your chips and keep your dish ooey, gooey, and delicious.
Another important element is the assembly of your nachos. Keeping each chip evenly coated will better distribute your ingredients and keep them from making the layers underneath too wet. You can execute multiple layers to achieve this and you’ll want to start with the heavier beef and beans before placing your additional toppings such as sour cream and cilantro on top. Never worry about your chips falling apart again!
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
You can store your finished nachos in the refrigerator for up to 3 days after preparing. To crisp up the chips from the fridge, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow the dish to cook for five to ten minutes. To add extra texture, you can layer additional cheese on top to melt and rejuvenate the chips.
How Can I Keep My Nachos From Sticking?
Great question! We recommend lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil before baking your nachos to allow for easy cleanup and nonstick bliss. Spraying your foil with nonstick spray also keeps the chips from clinging after the baking process.
What Is The Best Cheese To Use?
Our recipe calls for shredded Mexican cheese which typically includes a blend of Monterey Jack, asadero, cheddar, queso quesadilla, and pepper jack cheeses. These typically work well as they melt easily and give a bit of kick to your dish. Other blends may include mozzarella as well – the cheesier the better when it comes to delicious loaded nachos!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re bringing your nachos to a get-together – why not make it a Tex-Mex fiesta? Chimichangas, Baked Tacos or Bean and Cheese Burritos would all make for a full spread! If you’re loading up for game night, might we also suggest some Chicken and Cheese Taquitos? A variety of finger foods with spice and flavor inspired by the Southwest will liven up your next fun night.
Your guests may also enjoy having toppings available on the side to pile high their own way! Sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsas can bring variety to your platter. Drinks of choice can include beer, Mexican Coke or a nice mixed drink with tequila. Kick back, relax and let your taste buds enjoy the ride.
Loaded Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1.25 ounces taco seasoning
- 16 ounces salsa
- 12 ounces corn chips
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
- 8.5 ounces corn drained
- Sliced black olives drained
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 Roma tomato diced
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed, then mix in the taco seasoning and salsa.
- Arrange the corn chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly distribute the beef mixture, black beans, corn, and olives over the chips. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of sour cream.
This recipe is amazing! Keep up the great work!
Thank you!