Beef Nachos Jalapenos Cheese (Printable)
Crispy chips topped with seasoned beef, melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and fresh jalapenos for a spicy bite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 10 oz ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Nachos
10 - 7 oz tortilla chips
→ Cheese
11 - 7 oz shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 3.5 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Toppings
13 - 2-3 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced
14 - 2 tomatoes, diced
15 - 3 tbsp sliced black olives (optional)
16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 3.5 oz sour cream (for serving)
18 - 3.5 oz guacamole (for serving)
# How To Make It:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Incorporate ground beef and cook until browned, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
04 - Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
05 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large ovenproof baking tray or platter.
06 - Distribute the seasoned beef uniformly over the tortilla chips.
07 - Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef layer.
08 - Scatter sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and black olives (if using) evenly over the cheese.
09 - Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
10 - Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Ready in under 35 minutes, which means you can go from craving to eating faster than ordering delivery.
- Layers of melted cheese and spiced beef create that crowdpleasing comfort that disappears from the plate instantly.
- Customizable enough that everyone at your table finds something they love, without you cooking five different meals.
02 -
- Drain that beef fat properly or your nachos become an oily mess—it's the difference between indulgent and regrettable.
- The oven temperature and timing matter; too low and the cheese won't melt properly, too high and your chips char while the cheese is still cold underneath.
03 -
- Toast your spices for 30 seconds in the hot beef before adding liquid or moisture—this activates their oils and makes the flavor punch harder.
- Serve immediately with everything still hot and melted; nachos are a dish that demands urgency and abandon.