Easy Classic Nachos Recipe

5 from 6 votes

This easy nachos recipe is a classic appetizer of tortilla chips topped with spiced ground meats, beans, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheddar cheese, jalapenos, tortillas

Servings:

Calories: 532kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
15 ounces refried beans 1 can
½ cup water
13 ounces thick tortilla chips 1 typical bag
3-4 cups shredded cheese I love a mix of Colby Jack and Cheddar – use your favorite melty cheeses
½ cup pickled jalapenos

FOR SERVING/TOPPING

Diced tomatoes, extra pickled jalapenos, fresh chopped cilantro, hot sauce, red pepper flakes. See the RECIPE NOTES for more ideas.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a pan to medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes until nicely browned and mostly cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat and liquid.
Add the taco seasonings, salt and pepper to taste, and stir. Cook 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
Stir in the refried beans and water. Mix to incorporate, then reduce the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor. You can simmer longer if you’d like to develop flavor further.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Layer the tortilla chips onto a large baking sheet.
Spread the cooked meat and beans mixture evenly over the tortilla chips.
Top evenly with the shredded cheeses.
Top with pickled jalapeno peppers. Add as few or as many as you’d like.
Bake the nachos tray for 10 minutes, or until the cheeses are nicely melted and gooey.
Remove from heat, top with your favorite toppings, and serve!

Notes

Toppings Ideas: Use your favorites! More ideas include diced avocado, guacamole, pico de gallo, fresh roasted jalapeno slices, sour cream or Mexican crema, lime wedges, pickled red onions, salsa, fresh chopped onions. What's YOUR favorite?

Nutrition