Description
These Beef Nachos are a flavorful and spicy crowd-pleaser, featuring a quick fresh salsa, savory ground beef seasoned with chili spices, and layers of melted Mexican blend cheese over crispy tortilla chips. Perfect as a party appetizer or casual dinner, they come with optional jalapeño slices, lime wedges, sour cream, and guacamole for extra zest and creaminess.
Ingredients
Quick Salsa
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño peppers (from 1 pepper, seeded)
- 2 scallions, light and dark green parts, thinly sliced
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 2 small ripe tomatoes (about ¾ pound / 340 g), cored and diced
Spicy Beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 lb (90 to 93%) lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Assembly
- 1 (10-oz) bag tortilla chips
- 1 pound (16 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese (4 cups)
- 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced into rounds (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Homemade or store-bought guacamole (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Quick Salsa: In a small bowl, combine the minced jalapeño pepper, sliced scallions, minced garlic, fresh cilantro leaves, salt, lime juice, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to blend all the fresh flavors together. Set this salsa aside to allow the flavors to marry while you prepare the beef.
- Cook the Spicy Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to let it brown. Add the lean ground beef along with chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and tomato paste. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until there is no pink remaining in the beef, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C), arranging the oven rack in the middle position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer on the baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle half of the cooked beef mixture over the chips, then top with 2 cups (226 g) of the shredded Mexican blend cheese and half of the thinly sliced jalapeño rounds if using. Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef, cheese, and jalapeños to form a second layer.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
- Serve: Serve the nachos right on the baking sheet along with the fresh quick salsa, lime wedges, sour cream, and guacamole on the side for guests to add as they like. Enjoy your delicious, hearty beef nachos loaded with spicy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- To reduce heat, remove seeds from jalapeños before mincing for the salsa.
- The quick salsa can be made a few hours ahead to let flavors develop.
- Use lean ground beef (90-93%) for best texture and less grease.
- Layering chips and cheese twice ensures even coverage of toppings.
- Serve immediately to prevent chips from becoming soggy.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and guacamole add creamy balance to the spicy beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
