Description

How to make crispy Oven-Baked Nachos with seasoned beef, melted cheddar, and jalapeños that are ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Base & Main Components:
1 large bag (approx. 13 oz) tortilla chips
1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
2 cups (8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño peppers, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavor Builders:
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings & Spices:
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Finishing & Toppings:
1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
1/2 cup salsa (for serving)

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Instructions

Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and finely diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season Beef: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the browned beef mixture. Add the tomato paste and beef broth, mixing everything well to combine all the delicious flavors. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer Flavor: Bring the beef mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. This creates a rich, savory base for your Ultimate Oven-Baked Nachos.
Bake Nachos: Spread half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Evenly layer with half of the seasoned beef mixture and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese. Bake for 8-12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
Add Jalapeños: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and the chips are crispy, carefully remove your Oven-Baked Nachos from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the sliced pickled jalapeños over the warm, cheesy chips. The vibrant kick will be a delicious addition!
Garnish & Serve: Transfer the Ultimate Oven-Baked Nachos to a large serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a side of salsa for dipping. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, comforting perfection!

Notes

Bake until cheese is just bubbly and melted; watch carefully to prevent chips from burning quickly.

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; chips will soften, but still tasty.

Substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegetarian option.

Serve nachos immediately from the oven for maximum crispness, garnished with cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.

Prepare seasoned ground beef up to 2 days in advance; assemble and bake nachos just before serving for ultimate crispness.

Preheat your baking sheet before assembly to ensure extra crispy chips and prevent sogginess from below.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten