LOADED NACHOS Recipe

Experience a fiesta of flavors with these irresistibly delicious nachos featuring crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef seasoned with aromatic spices, and melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Dotted with fresh avocado and vibrant vegetables, these Mexican Dishes burst with color and taste, perfect for lively weekend meals and gatherings.

This Loaded Nachos recipe is one of my all time weekend favs cause it’s super filling and loaded with flavor. I start by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a pan and mix in a packet of taco seasoning with 1/4 cup water to make a rich, savory meat topping.

Meanwhile i spread out a large bag of tortilla chips on a baking sheet and then sprinkle a generous layer of both 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chips. I then add diced avocado, red onion, red bell pepper, and Roma tomatoes for texture and a pop of fresh flavor.

I finish it off with a drizzle of tangy sour cream and juice of one lime. This recipe is perfect for a quick snack and works great as a party food or a filling dinner.

Enjoy your nachos and remember its all about the layers of taste.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how the recipe gives me a crazy mix of flavors in every bite, like the crunchy chips, melty cheeses and the kick of the seasoned beef make it super addicting.
2. The combo of fresh toppings, especially the diced avocado and tangy lime sour cream, really makes it taste unique and refreshing even after a long day.
3. It’s a quick and easy recipe that I can whip up for parties or even have it as a fun snack on the weekends, which makes it perfect when I’m in a hurry.
4. I love how the veggies add a bit of crunch and color to the dish, making it feel wholesome and kinda healthy even though it’s a treat.

Ingredients

• Tortilla chips provide carbohydrates that give a crunchy, satisfying base for every bite.
• Ground beef is rich in protein and helps keep the dish filling and hearty.
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese melt into a creamy layer, adding flavor and protein.
• Avocado offers healthy fats and fiber, contributing creaminess and a cool taste.
• Lime juice injects a bright, tangy kick that balances out the richness.
• Red onion and tomatoes add freshness and a crisp texture, boosting natural sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 14oz)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lay out the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid is gone.

3. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the tortilla chips.

4. Distribute the cooked, seasoned beef evenly over the chips and melted cheese.

5. Next, scatter the diced red onion, red bell pepper, Roma tomatoes, and if you like it spicy, the jalapeño all over the top.

6. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 7-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.

7. While the nachos are baking, dice the avocado and chop some fresh cilantro if you want that extra pop of flavor.

8. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with the juice of 1 lime, then give it a good stir.

9. Remove the nachos from the oven, top them with the diced avocado, drizzle the tangy lime sour cream over everything, and sprinkle the cilantro on top. Enjoy immediately!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set to 375°F)
2. Large baking sheet
3. Large skillet
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Stirring spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cup (for the 1/4 cup water)
8. Small bowl
9. Oven mitts (for when you need to take the tray out)

FAQ

LOADED NACHOS Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of using ground beef, you can try ground turkey or even crumbled tofu if you want a lighter twist
• If you don’t have a packet of taco seasoning, mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and paprika together a bit its a simple swap
• You can mix up the cheeses by substituting cheddar or Monterey Jack with pepper jack or mozzarella which adds a different flavor
• If avocado is hard to get, try using a good quality guacamole as a substitute its easier to find sometimes
• You can also replace sour cream with plain greek yogurt for a tangy taste that works just as well

Pro Tips

1. Try to not overload the tray with too many chips; leaving some space lets them crisp up better so you dont get soggy bits.
2. When browning the beef, make sure you drain off extra grease and give it a good stir with the taco seasoning to really boost the flavor.
3. Add fresh stuff like avocado and lime sour cream after taking the nachos out of the oven so they keep their texture and taste.
4. If you like a little spicy kick, dice the jalapeño extra fine and mix it in sparingly so the heat doesnt dominate the other flavors.