Pin A crowd-pleasing platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings is perfect for sharing at parties or game nights. With quick preparation and satisfying flavors, these sheet pan nachos bring excitement to your table.
I first made these nachos for a family movie night when everyone wanted something hearty yet fun. Watching the cheese bubble in the oven and piling on fresh toppings made dinner feel like a celebration.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 or leaner
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Tortilla chips: 10 oz (280 g) sturdy chips
- Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Black beans: 1 cup (150 g) canned, drained and rinsed
- Tomato: 1 medium, diced
- Pickled jalapeño slices: ½ cup (60 g)
- Black olives: ½ cup (60 g) sliced (optional)
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g) chopped, fresh
- Avocado: 1 medium, diced (optional)
- Green onions: 2, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic; saute for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season beef:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add water. Simmer 3-4 minutes until most liquid evaporates; remove from heat.
- Assemble nachos:
- Spread tortilla chips evenly on sheet pan.
- Layer toppings:
- Spoon seasoned beef over chips. Sprinkle black beans then cheese evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Finish toppings:
- Remove pan from oven. Top with diced tomato, jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and avocado.
- Add sour cream:
- Drizzle with sour cream or serve on the side.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, directly from the pan.
Pin 
The first time my kids helped layer the chips and cheese, they competed for the cheesiest spot. These nachos now show up for birthday parties and weekend get-togethers because everyone loves assembling them together.
Required Tools
Large sheet pan, skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream). Contains gluten if using wheat-based chips. Contains avocado, legumes (black beans).
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 465, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 22 g
Pin Finish your nachos with a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra zing. They are best enjoyed hot and straight from the pan.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cuts of beef work best for this dish?
Use ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio for juicy flavor and good browning, but leaner beef or turkey can be substituted for a lighter option.
- → Can the tortilla chips be swapped for a gluten-free option?
Yes, gluten-free tortilla chips work well, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish without compromise.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or extra black beans to the toppings for added texture and nutrition.
- → What is the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
Bake the layered chips and beef in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and fully melted.
- → Are there options to customize the level of spiciness?
Adjust the chili powder and jalapeño quantity to fit your spice preference, or use pickled jalapeños for a milder tangy kick.