Ground beef is one of those ingredients that always saves the day. I use it in many of my recipes—for filling empanadas, in picadillos, and in stews prepared in Costa Rica with different vegetables. The other day, I used ground beef for some nachos, and my kids loved them.
I added black beans, tomato, and cheese to give them a more substantial touch and turn them into a complete meal, not just an appetizer.
The secret to my nachos is seasoning the beef really well and cooking it thoroughly while keeping it juicy. That way, when they go into the oven to melt the cheese, the beef doesn’t dry out, and the dish comes out soft yet crispy.
These nachos are also a great way to use up leftovers. You can easily add other ingredients such as corn kernels, rice, olives, green beans, bell peppers, or hot peppers if you want them spicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ground chicken or turkey—they’re delicious too.
I also recommend using pre-baked tortilla chips so they’re not too greasy. I buy mine from a restaurant near my house. They’re cheaper than supermarket chips, made fresh daily, and since they’re baked, they’re completely fat-free. I suggest buying tortilla chips from your favorite restaurant.
Go ahead and make my nachos with meat recipe at your next get-together—you’ll love them!
Table of Contents
How to Make Beef and Cheese Nachos
The process is very simple:
- Cook your desired ingredients (meat, peppers, etc.).
- Layer everything on the tortilla chips.
- Bake until the cheese melts.
The best part is that you can prepare everything in advance, so there’s very little work left when it’s time to serve the appetizers.
Tips for Making Nachos
- The cheese must be evenly distributed. In each layer, make sure every chip is close to—or ideally underneath—a good piece of cheddar.
- You can use sunflower oil instead of beef fat, but I really encourage you to try the fat for flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try cooking fried rice with duck fat—it tastes even better!
- Love spicy food? Add chili powder and adjust it to your taste.
- Prefer mild flavors? Simply leave the chili out and avoid burning your taste buds.
Nachos Recipe: STEP BY STEP
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Dish: Starter
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 people
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 450 g |
| Green peppers (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Red bell peppers (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Onions (diced) | 2 |
| Cheddar cheese blocks | 2 (≈300 g each) |
| Tortilla chips (natural) | 2 packs |
| Beef fat or vegetable oil | As needed |
Spices Table
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Chili powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 3 tablespoons |
| Sweet paprika | 3 tablespoons |
| Hot paprika | 2 tablespoons |
| Oregano | 2 tablespoons |
| Chive powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Pepper | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the peppers with beef fat and a pinch of salt over medium-high heat until tender and sweet. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- In the same pot, increase the heat and sauté the onions until caramelized.
- Add the ground beef and stir until it separates into small clumps.
- Add all the spices and mix well. If needed, add a little more beef fat. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In an ovenproof dish, layer tortilla chips, cheese, peppers, and meat. Repeat until finished.
- Top with a final generous layer of cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Video Guide 📽️
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 283 kcal |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated fat | 7 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 8 g |
| Trans fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates (Starches) | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 64 mg |
| Sodium | 188 mg |
| Potassium | 554 mg |
What to serve with Mexican nachos
The truth is, the perfect accompaniment to this recipe is more Mexican food. You can serve these nachos with:
- Tacos
- Fajitas
- Burritos
- Chimichangas
- Guacamole and pico de gallo for a fresh finish
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these nachos in advance?
Yes. You can cook all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.
What cheese works best for nachos?
Cheddar works great, but it’s important to slice it yourself—commercially sliced cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce or skip the chili powder.
Are these nachos good for leftovers?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using leftover vegetables, rice, or beans.
Conclusion
These beef and cheese nachos are easy, filling, and full of flavor. They’re perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or game nights. With well-seasoned meat, plenty of cheese, and crispy chips, this dish always turns out comforting and crowd-pleasing. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a regular on your table.
