There are evenings when I’ve barely made it through the day, and the thought of a complicated dinner feels exhausting. That’s when I turn to ground beef dinner nachos—a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, all in one pan. The sizzle of seasoned beef mingling with onions and garlic fills the kitchen, making it impossible not to peek and taste. Somehow, the smell pulls everyone closer, even when I’m still wiping down counters or setting out plates with one hand.
One time, I remember getting distracted halfway through, chatting on the phone while the beef browned a little more than I intended. But honestly, that extra crispiness just added another layer of texture that night. The melted cheese blankets the chips in gooey goodness, while fresh jalapeños and green onions bring just the right pop of brightness. It’s a little messy, a little indulgent, and completely worth every bite. I usually serve it with dollops of sour cream and guacamole, which cool down the heat and add a creamy contrast that feels like the perfect finishing touch.
- Layered with seasoned ground beef and two kinds of cheese for a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly.
- Fresh toppings add brightness and a touch of heat, making each bite feel balanced.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point when you want dinner without fuss.
- Great for game day or any night when you want a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t overcomplicate things.
- Leftovers reheat well, but the fresh toppings and dips definitely feel best added just before serving.
Don’t worry if this is your first time making nachos for dinner. It’s forgiving in the best way, especially if you get distracted like I do sometimes. Just keep an eye on the cheese melting, and don’t be shy about layering your favorite toppings.
PrintGround Beef Dinner Nachos
A hearty and flavorful ground beef dinner nachos recipe loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a satisfying meal or game day snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
8 ounces tortilla chips
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced jalapeño peppers
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup guacamole
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Add the drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and combined. Remove from heat.
Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly on a large oven-safe baking sheet or dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chips.
Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, followed by the remaining cheeses and ground beef mixture.
Sprinkle sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño peppers, and chopped green onions evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the nachos.
Serve immediately with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
For this dish, an oven-safe baking sheet or dish is all you really need—nothing fancy. I like to serve these nachos straight from the oven, with a side of cold sour cream and creamy guacamole that I usually scoop out of the fridge just before everyone digs in. Sometimes I swap olives for pickled onions or add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten things up even more. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of corn kernels or a sprinkle of cotija cheese can make it feel a bit different without much extra work. You might even try swapping the cheddar for a sharper cheese if you have it on hand, though I haven’t tested all variations myself.
FAQ
Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble just before baking.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply reduce or skip the jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes. The dish still has plenty of flavor.
Can I use other types of chips?
Tortilla chips work best for the crunch and structure, but if you only have pita chips or something else, it might be an interesting twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover nachos in an airtight container and reheat in the oven. Add fresh sour cream and guacamole when serving again.
Ready to turn a simple dinner into a celebration? Go ahead, save this recipe, print it out, and make these ground beef dinner nachos your new go-to meal. You won’t regret it.