BBQ Beef Nachos (Printer View)

Crispy chips piled with smoky barbecue beef, melty cheese, jalapeños, and fresh toppings for game day.

# Components:

→ Beef

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup barbecue sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Nachos

07 - 10 ounces sturdy tortilla chips
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
12 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
13 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 1 avocado, diced (optional)

# Method steps:

01 - Set oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow to reach temperature.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion becomes soft, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 additional minute. Stir in barbecue sauce and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Spread tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
05 - Spoon barbecue beef mixture evenly over chips. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses uniformly across the surface.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven and top with sour cream, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado if desired.
08 - Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They hit that perfect sweet spot between crispy, gooey, and loaded—every bite is different.
  • You can make them ahead through the cheese stage and just add fresh toppings when people arrive.
  • Even if your barbecue sauce is mediocre, the combination of flavors masks any kitchen shortcomings.
02 -
  • Drain the excess fat from the beef—too much grease makes the chips soggy and the whole thing slide around on the plate.
  • Add cold toppings after baking, not before; warm salsa or room-temperature sour cream will make your nachos weep into the chips.
03 -
  • Toast your chips in a 350°F oven for five minutes before assembling if they've been sitting in a package for a while—it revives their crispness.
  • Mix your cheese blend ahead of time so you're just grabbing one handful instead of alternating between two bowls.
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