Loaded Nachos – Extra Cheesy

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Loaded nachos are one of my favorite things to make when I need to feed a crowd quickly. There’s something satisfying about pulling a sheet pan of bubbly, golden cheese and perfectly seasoned ground beef from the oven that gets everyone excited.

These baked nachos are perfect for game day, movie nights, parties, or even as an easy weeknight dinner when you want something fun and shareable. I love how simple they are – just layer everything on a sheet pan, bake until the cheese melts, then add your fresh toppings.

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Ultimate Loaded Nachos

What makes these nachos special? Every chip gets loaded with meat, beans, and cheese—no sad, plain chips at the bottom. They disappear faster than I can make them.

This is my go-to recipe because it’s foolproof and feeds a crowd. The ground beef stays perfectly seasoned and juicy, while the cheese melts into that stretchy, gooey layer we all crave. Using a sheet pan means everything cooks evenly, and you can customize the toppings however you like.

What You’ll Need to Cook

• Ground Beef – Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the ideal balance of flavor and fat content. The fat keeps the meat juicy while the protein provides substance. Avoid lean cuts as they can become dry when seasoned and cooked.
• Taco Seasoning Packet – A quality taco seasoning mix saves time while delivering consistent flavor. Look for packets with minimal artificial ingredients and good spice balance that will make the ground beef flavorful and aromatic.
• Tortilla Chips – Restaurant-style thick tortilla chips work best as they won’t break under the weight of all the toppings. Look for chips that are sturdy enough to hold up during baking and won’t become soggy.
• Black Beans
• Pico de Gallo
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
• Guacamole
• Pickled Jalapeños
• Sour Cream
• Fresh Cilantro

Ingredient Substitutes

Ground Turkey for Ground Beef – Substitute with 93/7 ground turkey for a leaner option. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to prevent drying out. The flavor will be milder but still delicious.

Refried Beans for Black Beans – Use one can of refried beans spread directly on the chips for a creamier base. This creates a different texture but adds more authentic Mexican flavor.

Queso Fresco for Pepper Jack – Replace Pepper Jack with crumbled queso fresco for a more traditional Mexican cheese flavor. It won’t melt as smoothly but adds authentic taste.

Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream – Plain Greek yogurt works as a healthier substitute with similar tang and creaminess. Choose full-fat versions for best texture and flavor.

Homemade Taco Seasoning – Mix 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt for a custom blend without preservatives.

How to Make Oven-Baked Loaded Nachos

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to 425°F and position a rack in the center. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it begins to cook.

Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking it into small, even pieces. The meat should be browned entirely with no pink remaining. The rendered fat will add flavor to the dish, so don’t drain it unless there’s excessive grease.

Step 2: Season the Ground Beef

Once the ground beef is fully browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning packet evenly over the meat. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices and ensure that every piece of beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Follow the package directions for the taco seasoning, typically adding a small amount of water and simmering for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the flavors have melded together. The beef should be fragrant and well-coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Nacho Base

While the seasoned beef finishes cooking, arrange your tortilla chips in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Overlap the chips slightly to create a solid base, but avoid stacking them too high as this prevents even heating.

Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chips, making sure each section gets a good portion of meat. Sprinkle the black beans over the beef, filling in gaps and adding texture to every bite.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Combine the cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the entire nacho surface. Make sure to get cheese on the edges and corners, as these areas tend to cook fastest and benefit from the cheese’s protection.

Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through if you notice uneven melting. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbling, with golden edges but no burnt spots.

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

Remove the nachos from the oven immediately once the cheese is melted to prevent overcooking. Working quickly, add dollops of guacamole and sour cream across the surface, spacing them evenly so every portion gets some.

Top with the pico de gallo and pickled jalapeños, then finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and melted, providing serving utensils or encouraging guests to dig in with their hands.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Cool leftover nachos completely, then remove fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo before storing. Store the nacho base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep fresh toppings separately.

Avoid freezing as chips become soggy and cheese texture deteriorates. To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and chips crisp up. Add fresh toppings after reheating and serve immediately.

My Favorite Seasonings

Taco Seasoning Packets provide consistent flavor and convenience. Look for brands with minimal artificial ingredients and good spice balance that makes the ground beef flavorful without being overpowering.

Smoked Paprika adds an extra layer of smoky flavor when mixed with the taco seasoning. Just a pinch enhances the overall depth and gives that barbecue-style taste to compensate for not grilling.

Fresh Lime Juice squeezed over the finished nachos brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness. Keep lime wedges on the side for individual preference.

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🌮 More Appetizers to Serve With Nachos 🧀🔥

🥖 Grilled Garlic Bread
🧀 Baked Queso Dip
🥔 Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
🥖 Hawaiian Cheese Sliders
🧄 Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
🥩 Brisket Sausage Rolls
🍞 Grilled Cornbread
🥓 Bacon Mac and Cheese

Smoke On!

Charlie

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