Name: Loaded Nachos Plate
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheddar-jack or Mexican blend cheese; ½ lb ground beef; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons water; ½ cup black beans (drained); ½ cup corn kernels; ½ cup diced tomatoes; ¼ cup sliced jalapeños; ¼ cup sliced red onions; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup guacamole; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

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There’s nothing quite like a plate of loaded nachos to bring friends and family together for a festive and flavorful bite. This vibrant dish centers on crispy tortilla chips generously topped with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a colorful array of fresh toppings that make every bite a perfect blend of textures and tastes.

Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer to share, this loaded nachos plate is both a crowd-pleaser and an impressive centerpiece. The combination of smoky spices, creamy guacamole, and zesty jalapeños delivers a bold flavor profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and fresh textures for an unforgettable snack or meal.
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or protein swaps for any dietary preference.
Quick to prepare and visually striking, making it great for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Tortilla chips: 8 oz of sturdy and crispy chips are the essential base that holds all the toppings perfectly.
Shredded cheddar-jack or Mexican blend cheese: 2 cups of flavorful cheese that melts smoothly to create gooey, delicious layers.
Ground beef: ½ lb (225g) of lean beef seasoned for a rich, savory bite with perfect spice balance.
Chili powder: 1 teaspoon adds smoky heat and deep flavor to the beef.
Cumin: ½ teaspoon provides warm earthiness enhancing the Mexican flavor profile.
Paprika: ½ teaspoon contributes subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the meat.
Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon infuses savory depth and aromatic richness.
Salt & pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Water: 2 tablespoons help keep the beef moist and allow spices to integrate evenly.
Black beans: ½ cup, drained, add hearty texture and protein for extra substance.
Corn kernels: ½ cup provides a sweet crunch and bright color contrast.
Diced tomatoes: ½ cup of juicy, fresh tomatoes to lighten and add acidity.
Sliced jalapeños: ¼ cup for a punch of heat and zesty flavor.
Sliced red onions: ¼ cup adds sharpness and crunch to balance richness.
Sour cream: ½ cup creamy and cool, perfect for drizzling to mellow spices.
Guacamole: ½ cup made from ripe avocados for a creamy, fresh element.
Chopped cilantro: 2 tablespoons sprinkled on top for an herbal, citrusy finishing note.

Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until evenly browned. Then season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the meat thoroughly. Add water to create a slight sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavors and ensure the beef stays juicy.
Build the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for melting cheese. On a large oven-safe plate or tray, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer to create the base. Scatter the seasoned beef, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese evenly over the chips for balanced distribution of ingredients.
Bake: Place the loaded plate in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This step melts everything together, creating gooey deliciousness that binds the toppings to the crunchy chips.
Load the Plate: Carefully remove the nachos from the oven and add fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and red onions as a vibrant topping layer. Drizzle sour cream and dollop guacamole across the nachos for creamy contrast. Finish by sprinkling chopped cilantro on top to brighten and add freshness.
Serve: Arrange the nachos centered and stacked high for a bold presentation that showcases each colorful layer. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience, allowing guests to enjoy crispy, cheesy, and fresh bites in every mouthful.

You Must Know

Use sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess under the toppings and cheese.
Customize toppings based on spice preference or dietary restrictions for more inclusive enjoyment.
Serve with extra sides like hot salsa or lime wedges for added zing.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven to keep the chips crispy and cheese melted, avoiding the microwave for sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair loaded nachos with a cold beer or a fresh margarita to enhance the Mexican-inspired flavors. They also work great alongside a crisp green salad or as a hearty appetizer before a main meal.

Professional Tips

Toast chips for 3 minutes before adding toppings to boost crispiness and prevent soggy bites.
Mix mozzarella with cheddar-jack cheese for a gooey cheese pull and milder flavor balance.
Try swapping ground beef with shredded chicken or doubling beans and corn for a vegetarian version.
Add chipotle sauce or hot salsa for deeper smoky heat if you enjoy spicier nachos.

FAQs

Can I make loaded nachos ahead of time?: It’s best to assemble and bake nachos just before serving to maintain crispiness and fresh textures.
What cheese works best for loaded nachos?: Mexican blend or cheddar-jack cheese melts well and offers the right flavor. Mixing mozzarella adds stretchiness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Simply skip the beef and double the black beans and corn or add other veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Can I make it spicier?: Yes, add sliced jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or hot salsa to boost the heat level to your liking.
What can I serve with loaded nachos?: They pair wonderfully with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and beverages like beer or a classic margarita.
How do I store leftover nachos?: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to maintain texture.