Cheesy Loaded Nachos

Name: Cheesy Loaded Nachos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 avocado, diced; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love hosting friends for game night, and my go-to dish is always these Cheesy Loaded Nachos. There's something irresistible about crispy tortilla chips piled high with gooey cheese, seasoned ground beef, and all the vibrant toppings. Every bite feels indulgent, and they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe allows you to customize the toppings based on personal preference, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy. With just a bit of prep, you’ll have a delicious dish that brings everyone together, perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Amber Walsh

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:37:11.978Z

When I first made these Cheesy Loaded Nachos, I was surprised at how quickly they disappeared! I decided to experiment with multiple toppings to find the perfect combination. Each element adds its distinct flavor, from the creamy avocado to the zesty jalapeños, and I learned that the freshest ingredients make all the difference in taste.

One of my favorite tricks is to warm up the tortilla chips in the oven before loading them with toppings. This keeps them crispy and prevents them from getting soggy. It’s a simple step, but it elevates the nachos from good to unforgettable!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Overflowing with melted cheese and savory toppings
Flexible recipe that caters to your taste preferences
Ideal for parties, game nights, or a cozy family dinner

      

Perfecting Your Nacho Layering Technique

Layering is crucial when it comes to nachos. Start by evenly distributing your tortilla chips on a baking sheet, making sure they're not overlapping. This allows each chip to get its fair share of cheese and toppings, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. I recommend using a rimmed baking sheet to catch any melting cheese and toppings that might fall off, which makes for easier cleanup.

When adding your cheese, opt for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor and melting quality. By placing the cheese directly on the chips first, you create a sturdy base that helps hold the toppings in place and prevents sogginess. The cheese acts as a barrier, keeping the crunchy texture intact while creating a gooey, cheesy layer that every nacho lover craves.

Ingredient Customization and Tips

Feel free to customize your toppings according to your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils, which offer a hearty texture and complement the remaining ingredients beautifully. If you're looking to add a bit more heat, consider including pico de gallo or a sprinkle of chili powder over the nachos before baking.

Don’t underestimate the role of fresh toppings post-bake. Ingredients like diced tomatoes and avocados bring not only color but also freshness and texture contrast to the dish. For an extra creamy topping, I love to whip up a quick avocado crema by blending avocados with lime juice and a bit of sour cream, which elevates the nachos to a whole new level. It’s a great way to add a flavorful twist!

Ingredients

For the Nachos

12 oz tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup sour cream
1 avocado, diced
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Layer the Chips

Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chips first, then layer on the cooked ground beef, black beans, and jalapeños.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the nachos from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

Try adding different toppings like corn, olives, or salsa to customize your nachos. For extra flavor, season the ground beef with taco seasoning. And remember, the fresher the ingredients, the better the nachos!

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare some elements of the nachos in advance to save time on game day. Cook and season your ground beef and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days ahead of time. Likewise, you can pre-chop toppings like jalapeños and tomatoes and keep them in airtight containers. This way, when it’s time to bake, all you need to do is assemble and pop them in the oven.

If you want to take it a step further, assembly can be done in advance too. Just layer your chips, cheese, and your desired toppings in your baking dish, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for a few hours. When ready to serve, just remove the foil and bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything heats through nicely.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover nachos can be a bit tricky. Storing them can lead to sogginess, so it's best to keep the toppings separate from the chips. If you have any leftover nachos, transfer them to an airtight container without the fresh toppings and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.

For perfectly crisp chips when reheating, consider topping the nachos with fresh cheese before placing them back in the oven. This will create a lovely melty layer that enhances the texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the chips chewy rather than crunchy, which can detract from the overall experience of your delicious nachos.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

→ Can I prepare nachos in advance?

For best results, prepare the toppings ahead of time but assemble and bake just before serving to keep the chips crispy.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.