Ingredients
For a large serving of loaded beef nachos like the one in your photo, you will need:
For the nachos
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 400–500 g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber (optional but seen in the picture)
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional: jalapeño slices, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream
Instructions
Start by preparing the ground beef. Place a pan over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it browns evenly. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder or taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure every part of the beef absorbs the flavor. Continue cooking until the meat becomes slightly crispy around the edges. This texture makes the nachos even more delicious because the crispy beef adds contrast to the softer toppings.
While the beef cooks, prepare your toppings. Dice the tomatoes, cucumber, and onions into small even pieces so they distribute well across the nachos. Slice the olives and chop the cilantro and green onions. Rinse and shred the lettuce, then set everything aside. Preparing the toppings before assembling the nachos helps you build the dish quickly while the chips remain crunchy.
Once the beef is ready, it’s time to assemble. Spread the tortilla chips across a large platter or baking tray. Make sure the chips are distributed in an even layer so each piece gets topped. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese directly over the chips. Then spoon the warm seasoned beef over the cheese. The heat from the beef helps melt the cheese and gives the nachos that gooey, irresistible look seen in the photo.
Add another layer of cheese over the beef to make sure everything melts together. At this point, if you prefer extra melty nachos, you can place the platter in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften the cheese even more. This step is optional, especially if your beef is hot enough to melt the cheese on its own.
Once the base is ready, add your fresh toppings. Start with the diced tomatoes and cucumber, spreading them evenly across the entire tray. These ingredients add freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese. Next, sprinkle the diced onions, olives, and chopped green onions. These bring flavor, color, and a bit of sharpness. Finally, add chopped cilantro for a touch of herbiness and brightness. The shredded lettuce can be placed underneath the chips as a base, or on top in small amounts, depending on your preference. In your photo, the lettuce appears on the bottom and the sides of the bowl, which helps create a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Loaded beef nachos are best served immediately while the chips are still crisp and the cheese is warm and melty. You can add bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for dipping or drizzling. Jalapeño slices are great if you enjoy heat. If you want to turn this into a full meal, serve the nachos alongside Mexican rice or refried beans.
For parties or gatherings, you can build the nachos in layers in a large tray and keep them warm in the oven until serving time. This makes them ideal for family dinners, game night, birthdays, or casual celebrations. The colors and textures make the dish visually appealing and perfect for photos or sharing on social media.
Variations
There are many ways to customize these nachos. Replace the beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat for a different version. You can add corn, black beans, or jalapeños for extra flavors. For a creamier finish, drizzle queso cheese sauce on top or add dollops of sour cream. If you prefer spicier nachos, use hot salsa or add chopped chili peppers.