Nacho Platter with Ground Beef

The kitchen counter disappeared under mountains of crispy tortilla chips that Friday night, my friends gathered around with paper plates and eager appetites while something sizzled on the stove that made the whole house smell like a Tex-Mex cantina.

Game day nachos have evolved through years of trial and error in my kitchen, from sad soggy chips to this perfectly layered masterpiece that stays crispy until the very last bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef: The foundation that brings hearty protein and savory depth to every chip
• 1 small onion: Finely chopped so it almost disappears into the beef while adding sweetness
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh because garlic powder just cannot compete with that aromatic punch
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Creates the perfect base for sautéing your aromatics
• 1 tsp ground cumin: The earthy backbone that screams authentic Tex-Mex flavor
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds that subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what your secret is
• 1/2 tsp chili powder: Just enough warmth without overwhelming the other flavors
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing all the spices together
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground makes all the difference here
• 1/4 cup water: Helps the spices bloom and coat the beef evenly
• 12 oz tortilla chips: Sturdy restaurant-style chips that can hold up under all those toppings
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic nacho flavor we all crave
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack: Melts beautifully and balances the sharp cheddar
• 1 cup canned black beans: Drained and rinsed to add creamy texture and protein
• 1 medium tomato: Fresh diced brightness to cut through all that rich cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Salty little bites that punctuate each mouthful
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices: Adjust to your heat tolerance but do not skip them entirely
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: The herbal finish that makes everything taste fresh and vibrant
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Cool and creamy to balance the spiced beef
• 1/2 cup guacamole: Creamy richness that nobody ever regrets adding
• 1/2 cup salsa: Choose your heat level but something fresh and chunky works best

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F so everything can melt together quickly once assembled

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant

Add the garlic:

Toss in minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds until you catch that wonderful aroma but before it can brown

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains

Season it perfectly:

Stir in cumin smoked paprika chili powder salt pepper and water then simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid mostly evaporates

Start the layers:

Spread half your tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-proof platter that can go directly to the table

Build the foundation:

Sprinkle half the beef half the black beans and half the cheeses over your first chip layer

Repeat for maximum coverage:

Add remaining chips then the rest of beef beans and cheese creating those glorious layers everyone fights over

Melt it together:

Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots

Add the fresh toppings:

Top immediately with tomato black olives jalapeños and cilantro while everything is hot and melty

Serve it up:

Bring to the table with sour cream guacamole and salsa on the side and let everyone dig in

Pin It

My sister-in-law still talks about the Super Bowl party when we made three sheet pans of these and they disappeared before halftime even started.

Making Ahead

The seasoned beef can be cooked up to two days ahead and stored in the refrigerator then reheated gently while the chips are baking.

Chip Selection

Restaurant-style thick chips hold up better than thin grocery store varieties that turn to mush under the weight of all those toppings.

Topping Variations

Switch up the toppings based on what your crowd loves or what you have in the pantry.

• Diced avocado works if guacamole feels like too much effort
• Shredded lettuce adds crunch without much prep
• Pickled red onions bring tangy brightness

Pin It

These nachos have turned ordinary Tuesday dinners into mini fiestas more times than I can count.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to achieve crispy chips?

Use sturdy tortilla chips and arrange them in a single layer before baking to ensure even crispiness without sogginess.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian variation.

→ How to prevent the cheese from over-browning?

Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes while monitoring closely to melt the cheese without excessive browning.

→ What toppings pair well with this platter?

Fresh diced tomatoes, sliced olives, pickled jalapeños, and chopped cilantro add balancing freshness and heat.

→ Are there gluten-free options available?

Yes, using certified gluten-free tortilla chips keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.