These Loaded Beef and Black Bean Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Layers of crispy tortilla chips are topped with seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, and a blend of melted cheeses, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Ideal for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers, these nachos are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Customize them with your favorite toppings like fresh tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños to add a burst of flavor and color. Serve them straight from the oven for a warm, satisfying snack or meal that everyone will love.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¾ cup diced sweet yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- 11 ounces sturdy tortilla chips
- 1½ cups nacho cheese sauce, warmed
- 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 to 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sliced pickled jalapeños
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Cook until well combined. Remove from heat.
- On a large rimmed baking sheet, spread half of the tortilla chips in a single layer. Drizzle with half of the warmed nacho cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked beef mixture, half of the black beans, and half of the shredded cheeses over the chips.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, nacho cheese sauce, beef mixture, black beans, and shredded cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with diced tomato, sour cream, cilantro leaves, green onions, and sliced pickled jalapeños.
- Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 539 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Loaded Beef and Bean Nachos
Nachos are one of the most beloved snacks worldwide, combining crispy tortilla chips with layers of melted cheese, flavorful toppings, and mouthwatering seasonings. The Loaded Beef and Bean Nachos recipe takes this classic dish to the next level, ensuring every bite is packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re planning a game night, movie marathon, or casual dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.
A Brief History of Nachos
Nachos originated in the 1940s in the small town of Piedras Negras, Mexico. The dish was created by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who served a simple combination of tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapeños to a group of hungry visitors. Since then, nachos have evolved into a globally recognized dish, with endless variations incorporating different meats, beans, vegetables, and cheeses.
The Loaded Beef and Bean Nachos version is a hearty take on this classic, featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy nacho cheese sauce, black beans, and a medley of fresh toppings. The result is a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The combination of seasoned ground beef, savory black beans, and rich melted cheese creates an unbeatable depth of flavor.
- Ideal for Sharing – This dish is great for gatherings, parties, or family dinners where everyone can dig in.
- Quick and Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these nachos can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable to Your Taste – You can swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs, whether that means using ground turkey instead of beef, adding extra veggies, or using dairy-free cheese.
- Satisfying and Nutritious – The combination of protein from the beef and beans, fiber from the vegetables, and calcium from the cheese makes this dish both delicious and filling.
The Secret to the Best Nachos
A great plate of nachos depends on a few key factors:
- Use Sturdy Tortilla Chips – Thin chips break easily under the weight of toppings. Opt for thicker, restaurant-style tortilla chips.
- Layer Your Ingredients Properly – To ensure every bite is flavorful, distribute the toppings evenly across multiple layers rather than piling everything on top.
- Melt Cheese the Right Way – Combining shredded cheese with nacho cheese sauce ensures maximum cheesiness and helps everything stay together.
- Add Fresh Ingredients After Baking – Tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and green onions should be added last to keep their flavors fresh and vibrant.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of This Recipe
1. Preparing the Ground Beef
The base of these nachos starts with seasoned ground beef. Cooking the beef with onions, taco seasoning, tomato paste, and a little water enhances its juiciness and depth of flavor. Letting it simmer ensures that the seasoning infuses every bite.
2. Assembling the Nachos
Start with a sturdy layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Add half of your beef mixture, half of your shredded cheese, and some black beans before adding another layer. This ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.
3. Baking to Perfection
Bake the nachos at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. This step melds the flavors together and makes the nachos extra crispy.
4. Adding the Final Touches
Once out of the oven, top with diced tomatoes, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and jalapeños for a burst of freshness and heat. These toppings create the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy base.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Nachos
- Dips & Salsas – Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo, or a spicy salsa for extra flavor.
- Drinks – A classic margarita, iced tea, or even a cold beer complements the bold flavors of these nachos.
- Side Dishes – Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad can turn these nachos into a complete meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Nachos
Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Store Toppings Separately – Keep fresh toppings (like tomatoes and sour cream) separate to avoid sogginess.
- Reheat in the Oven – Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Use a Skillet – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to bring back the crunch.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to make your nachos even more exciting? Here are some creative variations:
- Chicken Nachos – Swap the beef for shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Nachos – Omit the meat and double up on beans, corn, and sautéed peppers.
- Breakfast Nachos – Add scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon for a fun morning twist.
- BBQ Nachos – Drizzle with barbecue sauce and use pulled pork instead of beef for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Nachos – Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy chorizo to turn up the heat.
Conclusion
The Loaded Beef and Bean Nachos recipe is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something indulgent, this dish is always a winner. Best of all, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable, ensuring that you can enjoy your perfect plate of nachos every time
