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Crispy Dad’s Loaded Nachos

crispy dads loaded nachos - featured image

A quick and easy family snack featuring crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, black beans, fresh jalapeños, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for casual gatherings and late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Tortilla chips (sturdy, thick-cut, about 6 cups)
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 23 fresh jalapeños, sliced thin
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced for garnish
  • Sour cream for dolloping (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Season the beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture.
  7. Spread half the tortilla chips evenly on a rimmed baking sheet.
  8. Sprinkle half the beef mixture over the chips, followed by half the black beans, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños.
  9. Generously sprinkle half the cheese blend over the toppings.
  10. Repeat layering with the remaining chips, beef, beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, and finish with the rest of the cheese.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning the chips.
  12. Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions and dollops of sour cream.
  13. Serve immediately for the best crispy-cheesy experience.

Notes

For extra crispiness, toast the chips alone in the oven for 3-4 minutes before layering. Avoid overloading the nachos to prevent sogginess. Use a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for best melt and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep chips crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, loaded nachos, family snack, crispy nachos, ground beef nachos, easy snack, game night food