There’s something about a plate of nachos piled sky-high that just feels like an event. Last week, I came home after a long day, the clock somewhere between dinner and late snack time, and all I could think about was something warm, cheesy, and a little messy. These Ground Beef Dinner Nachos fit the bill perfectly. The kitchen filled with the scent of sautéed onions and garlic, mingling with the spicy taco seasoning simmering in the pan. I remember juggling the toppings, trying to decide how much jalapeño was too much—ended up a little heavier than I planned, but that’s the fun, right? The oven timer dinged just as the cheese bubbled to golden perfection, and it felt like a small celebration, even if it was just me at the table.
- Hearty and loaded with seasoned beef, these nachos work as a full meal or a shareable snack without too much fuss.
- The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts just right, but it’s simple enough that you can skip fancy cheeses if you’re in a pinch.
- Fresh toppings add a bright contrast, though you can easily swap or skip what you don’t like—no judgment here.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes, you just want comfort without the complication.
If you’re worried about timing, don’t be. This recipe slots nicely into a busy evening and doesn’t require any fancy tools—just your favorite baking dish and a skillet. Plus, leftovers heat up surprisingly well if you’re lucky enough to have any.
Print
Ground Beef Dinner Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef dinner nachos recipe loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for a satisfying meal or game day snack.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup water
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 ounces tortilla chips
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup guacamole
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large oven-safe baking sheet or dish.
Evenly distribute the seasoned ground beef over the tortilla chips.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the beef and chips.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, jalapeños, and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
For equipment, you really only need your standard kitchen basics—no special gadgets necessary. I usually serve these nachos with a cold beer or a crisp soda, but a simple green salad on the side works too if you want to balance things out. Thinking of switching things up? Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based alternative. You could also experiment with different cheeses—maybe a smoky gouda or a bit of pepper jack for extra kick, although I haven’t tested all those options yet. And if you’re not a fan of olives or jalapeños, don’t hesitate to leave them out or add something milder. The beauty here is in the flexibility.
FAQ
Can I make these nachos ahead of time? It’s best to assemble and bake just before serving to keep the chips crisp. Leftovers can be stored but the chips will soften.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning? A simple mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika works fine if you don’t have a packet on hand.
Can I freeze leftover nachos? Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the chips and toppings changes quite a bit.
How spicy are these nachos? The jalapeños add a nice kick, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking or omit them altogether.
Ready to dig in? These Ground Beef Dinner Nachos are waiting to make your next meal a little more memorable.