The magic of these Loaded Mexican Nachos lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy, salty tortilla chips serve as the ideal base for the hearty, spiced ground beef and the gooey, melted cheese. The tangy kick of pickled jalapeños adds just the right amount of heat, while the fresh, zesty toppings of tomatoes, red onion, olives, and cilantro bring a refreshing brightness to each bite. Every mouthful is a fiesta of flavors, making these nachos a surefire hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Nachos:
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup pickled jalapeños
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup red onion (diced)
- ½ cup black or green olives (sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture, then pour in ½ cup of water. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Nachos
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large, oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chips, making sure every chip has a bit of topping.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the beef and chips, ensuring an even layer of cheese for that gooey, melty bite.
- Add pickled jalapeños on top for a spicy kick.
Step 3: Bake the Nachos
- Place the tray of nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove the nachos from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding the fresh toppings.
Step 4: Add Fresh Toppings
- Sprinkle diced tomatoes, red onion, sliced olives, and fresh cilantro evenly over the warm nachos.
- Serve with dollops of sour cream on top or on the side for dipping.
