Loaded Nachos
Carlos Mendez
@carlosmendezcooks
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
Let's cook
Cook the beef
Brown the beef, drain the fat, and stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer 3 minutes until thick, not wet.
💡Wet toppings make soggy nachos. Reduce the meat until it barely drips.
Layer, do not pile
Spread a third of the chips on a lined tray, then a third of the beef, beans, and cheese. Repeat twice more.
💡Three thin layers, not one deep pile. This is the entire difference between good and bad nachos.
Bake hot and fast
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges.
Add cold toppings after
Take the tray out before adding the salsa, sour cream, avocado, tomato, and cilantro. Baked sour cream splits and baked avocado turns grey.
Serve immediately
Finish with jalapeños and lime and bring the tray straight to the table.
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📝 Tips, swaps, and make-ahead notes
Grate your own cheese — pre-grated is coated in starch and melts poorly and greasily. Sturdy restaurant-style chips hold up far better than thin ones.
- •Vegetarian: Black beans and roasted sweet potato in place of the beef.
- •Make-ahead: Cook the beef up to 3 days ahead; assemble and bake to order.
- •Sheet pan: Use the largest tray you own so the layers stay shallow.
Nutrition & Safety
Calories
582kcal
Protein
24g
Carbs
48g
Fat
34g
⚠️ Allergen & Safety Note
This recipe contains dairy and gluten-free-adaptable. Nutritional values are estimates per serving and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you have food allergies, please verify all ingredients before cooking.
AI-assisted content. Always verify instructions with trusted culinary sources.
Made by the Chew community
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