Ingredients for Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef

• 1 pound lean ground beef: The essential protein for these homemade nachos. Opt for lean beef to prevent greasy nachos. Drain excess fat for the best texture.
• 1 (15-ounce) bag sturdy tortilla chips: The crispy foundation for your Ultimate Homemade Nachos. Choose sturdy chips to avoid sogginess. My favorite is a thick-cut white corn chip.
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey heart of the nachos. Shred your own for superior melt and flavor. A sharp cheddar adds a great bite.
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and savory aromatic base for the ground beef. Sauté until translucent for optimal flavor release.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds crucial pungent depth to the beef mixture. Freshly minced garlic offers the most vibrant flavor profile.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and a tangy tomato base to the ground beef. Don’t drain for extra liquid and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding richness and umami to the beef. Sauté it briefly to deepen its taste.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory depth of the ground beef mixture. Use low-sodium broth for better salt control.
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained: Provides a tangy, spicy kick to your nachos. Adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a bright, herbaceous freshness to the finished nachos. Stir in right before serving for best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens all the flavors in the beef mixture and toppings. Always use freshly squeezed for the best zest.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder: The essential spice for that classic Tex-Mex flavor in your ground beef. Adjust to taste for mild or bold seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm aroma, complementing the chili powder beautifully. Don’t skip this for authentic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Taste and adjust as needed for perfect balance.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy nachos. A dollop on top is simply irresistible.
• 1/2 cup salsa: Adds fresh, zesty flavor and moisture to the top of your Ultimate Homemade Nachos. Choose your favorite mild or medium variety.

How to Make Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef

Prep Beef:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Season Meat:

Add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This infuses deep flavor into your meat.

Simmer Sauce:

Stir in the tomato paste, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This creates the rich base for your Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef.

Assemble Nachos:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese and pickled jalapeños. Repeat layers.

Bake Nachos:

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the chips are slightly crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning. This ensures perfect melty cheese for your ultimate Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef.

Serve Warm:

Remove the pan from the oven. Garnish generously with dollops of sour cream, salsa, fresh chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve your Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef immediately while warm, savoring every delicious bite.

How to Store Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef

To store leftover Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving them out too long can lead to soggy chips and spoilage – don’t do what I did! Discard if off smells or mold appear.

You can prepare the seasoned ground beef mixture up to 3 days in advance; keep it refrigerated. Assemble and bake the nachos just before serving for the best crispy chips and melty cheese. For reheating, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in the oven until heated through.

What to Serve with Homemade Nachos With Ground Beef

For casual gatherings, simply **serve** these Ultimate Homemade Nachos directly from the baking sheet for easy sharing. For a more festive presentation, transfer them to a large platter, ensuring each chip is loaded. They’re **perfect** when enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, with all that gooey cheese. To complete the meal, **pair** them with a crisp green salad or a refreshing pitcher of iced tea.

I personally love to **serve** these Ultimate Homemade Nachos right from the baking sheet, family-style. It creates such a fun, interactive experience, **perfect** for game night. We all just dig in and **enjoy** them together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese for The Ultimate Homemade Nachos?

Yes, absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. I find a mix of cheeses adds more complexity. Just ensure it melts well for that gooey texture.

→ How do I prevent soggy chips when making Homemade Nachos with Ground Beef?

The best way is to use sturdy tortilla chips and drain the beef fat thoroughly. A pro tip is to flash-bake the chips for 5 minutes before layering them. This helps them stay crispy, unlike my early soggy attempts!

→ How long can I store leftover Homemade Nachos in the refrigerator?

Leftover Homemade Nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The chips might lose some crispness, but the flavor will still be there. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time for these nachos?

Yes, you can! Cook the seasoned ground beef mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes assembly on busy nights super quick. Just reheat it gently before layering.

→ How do I adjust the recipe to make a smaller batch of Ultimate Homemade Nachos?

To make a smaller batch, simply halve all the ingredients. Reduce the cooking time for the beef mixture slightly and watch the baking time carefully. It’s easy to scale down for a cozy night in.