Blue-ribbon beef nachos are a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish designed to showcase perfectly seasoned beef, crisp tortilla chips, and layers of melted cheese with balanced toppings. This recipe focuses on proper layering, bold seasoning, and careful baking to ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying, making it ideal for parties, game days, or casual family meals.
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Beef
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For the Nachos
- 12–14 ounces sturdy tortilla chips
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 cup refried beans, warmed (optional)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
Toppings (Added After Baking)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet or large oven-safe platter
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven
Preparation
1. Cooking the Seasoned Beef
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Seasoning the Beef
Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Stir well to coat the beef evenly with spices.
Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until most of the liquid has reduced and the mixture is flavorful and moist but not soupy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assembling the Nachos
3. Layering
Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer.
Spoon half of the seasoned beef over the chips.
Add small dollops of refried beans, scatter black beans and corn, and sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese.
Repeat with remaining chips, beef, beans, and another layer of cheese. Reserve a small amount of cheese for the final topping.
Finish with the remaining cheese evenly distributed on top.
Baking
4. Baking the Nachos
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven immediately to prevent overcooking.
Adding Fresh Toppings
5. Garnishing
While the nachos are hot, add diced tomatoes or pico de gallo and sliced jalapeños.
Drizzle sour cream over the top or serve it on the side.
Add guacamole or avocado slices and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Serve with lime wedges.
Serving
Serve blue-ribbon beef nachos immediately while hot and crisp.
For gatherings, place the nachos in the center of the table with extra toppings and sauces on the side.
Tips for Best Results
- Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to support toppings
- Layer ingredients to ensure even distribution
- Avoid overloading with wet toppings before baking
- Serve immediately to maintain crispness
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