Nacho Platter Ground Beef Cheese

Friday nights in our apartment always meant something leaning toward comfort, and one particularly chaotic week nachos became the save. I'd thrown together a haphazard version that somehow disappeared in minutes, leaving my roommate demanding a repeat performance next weekend.

Last Super Bowl, I made three trays back to back because the first two vanished before halftime. People were actually hovering near the oven, watching the cheese bubble through the glass door like it was the most exciting game of the night.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips: Sturdy restaurant style chips hold up better under the weight of toppings than delicate ones
• Ground beef: 80/20 ratio gives enough fat for flavor without excessive grease
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack: The combo provides sharpness and perfect melt consistency respectively
• Red onion: Milder than white onion and adds beautiful color contrast
• Tomato: Adds fresh juiciness that cuts through the rich cheese and beef
• Jalapeño: Optional heat element that brightens the whole dish
• Garlic: Foundation flavor that infuses into the beef as it cooks
• Ground cumin: Essential Tex-Mex flavor that provides earthy warmth
• Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that mimics grill flavor
• Chili powder: Provides mild heat and deep red color to the beef
• Dried oregano: Herbal note that balances the heavier spices
• Sour cream and guacamole: Cooling elements that make each bite complete

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grab your largest baking sheet with rimmed edges to contain any cheese overflow.

Brown the beef:

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon as it sizzles and browns.

Add aromatics:

Toss in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking another 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Season generously:

Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, letting the spices bloom in the hot meat for 2 minutes.

Build first layer:

Spread half your chips across the baking tray, then scatter half the seasoned beef and both cheeses evenly over them.

Double down:

Repeat with remaining chips, beef, and cheese because layered toppings ensure no chip goes bare.

Melt it together:

Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese transforms into bubbly golden perfection and edges start to crisp.

Fresh finish:

Pile on diced tomato, jalapeño slices, spring onions, black olives, and cilantro while everything's still hot.

Immediate serving:

Bring the tray straight to the table with sour cream and guacamole on the side for dipping.

Pin It

My sister texted me at midnight after her first attempt, saying she'd already eaten straight from the pan standing over the sink. Some dishes don't need presentation to feel special.

Making It Your Own

The beef base adapts beautifully to ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter. I've even used black beans for vegetarian friends, and the spice blend carries the dish just as well.

Timing Everything Right

Nachos wait for no one. The cheese window is small between perfectly melted and starting to separate, so have all your cold toppings prepped before the tray goes in the oven.

The Perfect Chip Strategy

Restaurant style chips with a substantial curl act like little edible bowls, catching the cheese and beef instead of letting everything slide off. Thinner chips turn to mush immediately under the weight of toppings.

• Check your chip bag for broken pieces and use those as the bottom layer
• Save your most intact chips for the top so they stay crisp
• If chips seem stale, bake them alone for 3 minutes before topping

Pin It

The best nachos disappear fast, so maybe double the recipe while you're at it.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

→ Can I use a different kind of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives to beef.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Replace the ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version.

→ What cheese types are used in the layers?

A blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a creamy, melty topping.

→ What is the best way to serve this platter?

Serve immediately after baking with sides of guacamole and sour cream for added creaminess.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips to keep the dish free from gluten.