Nachos
These loaded nachos are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting game day or just craving the ultimate snack, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality nachos right in your kitchen.
Every layer is thoughtfully crafted – from the perfectly seasoned beef and velvety refried beans to the two-cheese blend that creates those coveted cheese pulls. The homemade taco seasoning takes these nachos from good to “can’t-stop-eating-these” amazing.
Ingredients
For the spice mix:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
For the nachos:
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80:20)
- 16 ounces refried beans
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
Optional toppings:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Black olives
- Green onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Corn
- Hot sauce
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all spice mix ingredients in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and all spice mix, breaking meat into crumbles. Cook 8 minutes until browned. Drain fat.
- Return meat to pan. Add beans and water. Heat until smooth and warm. Keep warm on low heat.
- Arrange chips on 13×18-inch oven-safe platter. Toast 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Top with half the cheese, then beef-bean mixture, then remaining cheese.
- Bake 5 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Top with pico de gallo, cilantro, jalapeños and preferred toppings. Serve immediately.
Smart Swaps
- Use black beans instead of refried (saves 100 calories per serving)
- Try ground turkey instead of beef (reduces fat by 50%)
- Opt for low-fat cheese to cut calories while maintaining melt
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Use low-carb tortilla chips (reduces carbs by 15g per serving)
- Replace refried beans with black soybeans (only 3g net carbs per 1/2 cup)
- Choose sugar-free salsa (saves 4g carbs per 1/4 cup)
- Portion into 6 equal servings (approximately 25g carbs each)
- Eat with protein-rich toppings first to slow glucose absorption
Pro Tips
- Layer chips in a single layer for maximum crispiness
- Grate cheese from blocks – pre-shredded doesn’t melt as well
- Keep toppings room temperature so they don’t cool the nachos
- Serve immediately for best texture and cheese pulls
