🌮 Loaded Nachos
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Nachos
-
1 large bag of tortilla chips
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or chicken/turkey/black beans for vegetarian)
-
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt)
-
1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
-
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
Toppings
-
Sour cream
-
Guacamole or sliced avocado
-
Salsa or pico de gallo
-
Chopped tomatoes
-
Chopped green onions
-
Fresh cilantro
-
Black olives (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the meat
-
Heat a skillet over medium heat.
-
Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
-
Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
2. Assemble the nachos
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, layer tortilla chips evenly.
-
Spoon seasoned meat over the chips.
-
Sprinkle diced onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and shredded cheese on top.
3. Bake
-
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Add fresh toppings
-
Remove from oven and top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and olives as desired.
💡 Tips
-
Cheese layer: Layer chips → cheese → meat → chips → cheese for maximum gooeyness.
-
Crispy chips: Use a sturdy tortilla chip to prevent sogginess.
-
Vegetarian: Swap meat with black beans or pinto beans for protein.
-
Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cayenne.
If you like, I can also give a mega-loaded version with layers of cheese, beans, and extra toppings that’s perfect for parties or game day. Do you want me to do that?