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Ultimate Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef – Easy Party Appetizer

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This Ultimate Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef is the perfect party appetizer, featuring perfectly seasoned beef, never-soggy chips, and a build-your-own toppings bar. It’s a crowd-pleasing, interactive dish that turns any gathering into a celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 large bag (13–16 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare all toppings: dice onions, chop cilantro, drain beans, and set out sour cream, salsa, and guacamole in small bowls.
  2. Make the seasoned ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates. Set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread tortilla chips in a single even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes to dry out chips.
  4. Remove baking sheet from oven. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over chips. Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef over the cheese.
  5. Add a second layer of chips on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese and ground beef over the top. Scatter black beans if using. Return to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Top with sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, and black olives. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pre-baking the chips is crucial for preventing sogginess. Always shred your own cheese for the best melt. Serve immediately for optimal crunch. For variations, try chorizo, BBQ chicken, or vegetarian options.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nachos, ground beef nachos, nacho bar, party appetizer, game day food, easy nachos, homemade nachos

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/ultimate-loaded-nacho-bar-with-ground-beef-easy-party-appetizer/