Beef Nachos Jalapeños Cheese (Printable)
Crunchy chips topped with spicy beef, jalapeños, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 - 9 oz ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced, seeds removed for milder heat
→ Seasonings
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp paprika
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
→ Main Components
11 - 7 oz tortilla chips (gluten-free if required)
12 - 7 oz shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 3.5 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Optional Toppings
14 - 3.5 oz sour cream
15 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 small tomato, diced
17 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
18 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Incorporate ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
04 - Mix in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute then remove from heat.
05 - Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Evenly spread half of the beef mixture, half the jalapeño slices, and half the shredded cheeses over the chips.
06 - Repeat layering with the remaining tortilla chips, beef mixture, jalapeños, and shredded cheeses to create a second layer.
07 - Place assembled layers in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
08 - Remove from oven. Garnish with diced tomato, red onion, chopped cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately alongside lime wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They come together in 35 minutes flat, making them perfect for unexpected company or just Tuesday hunger.
- The beef seasoning hits that sweet spot between smoky and spicy without being overwhelming.
- Double-layering the chips and toppings means no sad, unseasoned chips at the bottom.
02 -
- Wet toppings like sour cream go on after baking—add them before and you'll steam your beautiful cheese instead of enjoying its texture.
- Double-layering matters more than you'd think; the bottom layer insulates and cooks the cheese underneath so the top doesn't burn.
- Remove jalapeño seeds if you're serving mixed crowds; keep them in if you know everyone loves heat.
03 -
- Use thick tortilla chips—they don't shatter under weight and hold up to the oven heat better than thin ones.
- Squeeze fresh lime over everything just before eating; it's the detail that makes people ask for the recipe.