Why Make This Recipe

Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos are a great choice for a quick meal or a fun snack. They combine crispy tortilla chips with flavorful, cheesy beef and a few toppings. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a family dinner idea, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s simple to make, so everyone can enjoy it!

How to Make Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion (diced)
1 tbsp garlic (minced)
1.5 cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
1.5 cups mozzarella (shredded)
Tortilla chips
Pickled jalapeno (for garnish)
Cilantro (for garnish)
1.5 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp oregano
1/2 tbsp paprika
1/2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp light soy sauce (see notes)
1 tsp sugar

Directions

Shred the cheese and set it aside for later.
In a pan over medium heat, drizzle a bit of oil and add the onions. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Add the garlic and cook for another minute before adding the ground beef.
Break up the beef as it cooks. When it’s halfway done, add all the seasonings except for the light soy sauce and sugar. Mix well.
Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the light soy sauce and sugar.
Optional: Move the ground beef to one side of the pan. Tilt the pan so the grease collects on one side. You can discard the grease by transferring it to a bowl or soaking it up with a paper towel. Place the pan back on heat.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cheese. Cover with a lid and let it melt for a few minutes.
Once the cheese has melted, turn off the heat.
Place the tortilla chips on a serving plate. Spoon the cheesy ground beef on top of the chips.
Garnish with pickled jalapeños and cilantro. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos

Serve the Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos warm. You can set them in the middle of the table for everyone to share, or dish them out on individual plates. Add more toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if you like!

How to Store Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When reheating, keep in mind that the chips may lose their crunch. To keep them crispy, you can reheat everything in the oven for a few minutes.

Tips to Make Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos

Shred your cheese fresh for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese can often include anti-caking agents that might affect melting.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or jalapeños.
Feel free to add other toppings like diced tomatoes or black olives for variety.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with black beans or lentils and using vegan cheese. This way, you can enjoy a tasty nacho dish that’s meat-free!

FAQs

1. Can I make Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

2. What type of cheese is best for nachos?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are great choices because they melt well and add delicious flavor. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick!

3. Can I freeze Easy Cheesy Beef Nachos?
It’s best to freeze the beef mixture alone, not the assembled nachos. Store the beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat and then serve with fresh chips.