How to Make the Perfect 15 Minute Beef Nachos
Mexican · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
These loaded beef nachos are a crowd-pleasing snack or meal that you can have on the table in just 15 minutes. Crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned beef and melted cheese make these nachos absolutely irresistible.
Why this recipe works
This 15 Minute Beef Nachos recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 0.5 cup sour cream
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef for 5 to 6 minutes breaking it apart until fully browned. Drain fat then stir in taco seasoning with 2 tablespoons of water and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 2: Arrange the Chips
While beef cooks spread tortilla chips in a single even layer on a large oven-safe baking sheet or oven-safe serving platter making sure chips overlap slightly for good coverage.
Step 3: Top and Broil
Spoon seasoned beef evenly over the chips then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Remove from oven and immediately dollop sour cream over the nachos. Add any additional fresh toppings like jalapenos or salsa then serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → canned black beans for a quick vegetarian nacho option
- shredded cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for extra spice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Piling chips too high in multiple layers which leaves the bottom chips without cheese or toppings
- Broiling too long which burns the chips around the edges before the cheese fully melts
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 24g protein, 42g carbs, 28g fat, 4g fiber.
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