Can I prepare the beef mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef and bean mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly super quick when you're ready to eat. Just reheat the mixture before layering it with the chips and cheese.

How do I keep my nachos from getting soggy?

The key is using sturdy, thick tortilla chips and making sure your beef mixture isn't too wet. Drain excess liquid from the meat before assembling, and serve immediately after adding the toppings. For parties, consider assembling and baking in batches rather than making one giant portion that sits out.

Can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and either double the black beans or add another bean variety like pinto. You could also substitute plant-based ground "meat" or seasoned lentils. The taco seasoning works wonderfully with these alternatives for equally flavorful vegetarian nachos.

What's the best cheese for nachos?

While this recipe calls for cheddar, the best cheese for nachos melts easily and has good flavor. A combination of cheeses often works best - try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack for optimal meltability with flavor. Avoid using only hard cheeses like Parmesan, as they don't create that gooey texture we all love in nachos.

Beef Nachos Supreme Recipe

Name: Beef Nachos Supreme Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (97% lean); ½ cup white onion, finely chopped; ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped; ⅛ cup water; 1 ounce taco seasoning mix (1 packet); 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained, heated; 11 ounces tortilla chips (¾ of a bag); 3 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced; ¼ cup black olives, sliced; ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped; 2 jalapeños, sliced; 2 to 3 green onions, sliced; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup salsa

This mouthwatering Beef Nachos Supreme brings together layers of crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for an irresistible flavor explosion. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s the perfect quick dinner solution for busy weeknights or an impressive crowd-pleaser for game day gatherings. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and zesty toppings creates a balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 22 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Customizable: Create your own nacho masterpiece with whatever toppings your family loves. It’s a great way to please even the pickiest eaters!
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner, game day, or a casual get-together, these nachos never disappoint. The sizzling platter of cheesy goodness always draws a crowd.
Balanced Meal: With protein from the beef and beans, plus the fresh vegetable toppings, these nachos are more nutritious than you might expect.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that gives these nachos their hearty flavor. Using 97% lean keeps things lighter without sacrificing taste.
Onion & Green Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add savory depth and a slight sweetness when cooked with the beef.
Taco Seasoning: The magical blend that transforms ordinary ground beef into Mexican-inspired deliciousness. It adds layers of flavor with just one packet!
Black Beans: These provide extra protein, fiber, and a wonderful textural contrast to the meat. They also help stretch the recipe to feed more hungry mouths.
Tortilla Chips: The essential base that holds everything together. Choose thick, sturdy chips that can support all those delicious toppings.
Cheddar Cheese: Fresh-shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged and creates that perfect gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all love.
Fresh Toppings: Cherry tomatoes, black olives, cilantro, jalapeños, and green onions bring brightness, color, and freshness to balance the rich meat and cheese.
Sour Cream & Salsa: These optional toppings add creaminess and tang that take your nachos to the next level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Switch up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and double up on beans or add vegetarian crumbles.

Cheese Options

While cheddar is classic, try pepper jack for extra heat, Monterey Jack for meltability, or a Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor. For the adventurous, a drizzle of queso dip takes these nachos to new heights.

Bean Varieties

Black beans work beautifully, but pinto beans or refried beans spread in a layer create a different texture experience that’s equally delicious.

Toppings Galore

Get creative with guacamole, pickled jalapeños, corn kernels, diced mango for sweetness, or even pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Each addition creates a unique nacho experience!

How to Make Beef Nachos Supreme

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with onion and green bell pepper until the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5-8 minutes. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks for even distribution throughout your nachos.

Step 2: Season and Add Beans

Add water and taco seasoning to the meat mixture, stirring for 2-3 minutes to thoroughly coat and develop flavors. Mix in the rinsed and drained black beans until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer

In a 9×13 baking dish or on a baking sheet with edges, spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. Top with half of the beef and bean mixture, distributing it evenly so every chip gets some love. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.

Step 4: Build the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese. This double-layer approach ensures that every bite contains the perfect combination of chips, meat, and cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Melty

Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble. Keep a close eye on it – you want melty cheese, not burned chips!

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Remove from the oven and immediately add your fresh toppings – diced tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, and green onions. Serve hot with sour cream and salsa on the side for everyone to add according to their preference.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Layering is Key: Don’t pile everything on top – create layers so every chip gets some toppings. No one wants to find a sad pile of naked chips at the bottom!
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as beautifully. Take the extra minute to grate it yourself for superior meltability.
Keep Chips Crispy: Make sure your beef mixture isn’t too wet before adding it to the chips, and don’t let the nachos sit too long before serving. The magic is in that contrast between crispy chips and soft toppings.
Warm Your Plates: For restaurant-quality nachos that stay hot longer, warm your serving plates in the oven for a minute before transferring the nachos.

How to Serve

Family Style

Serve directly from the baking dish for casual dining. Place it in the center of the table with small bowls of extra toppings so everyone can customize their portion.

Game Day Setup

For parties, consider setting up a nacho bar. Prepare the chips with meat and cheese, then let guests add their own toppings from an array of options.

Meal Pairings

These nachos pair perfectly with Mexican rice, a simple side salad, or a refreshing frozen margarita for the adults. For a complete fiesta, serve alongside chicken quesadillas or a bowl of tortilla soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

The beef and bean mixture can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Simply reheat before assembling the nachos.

Storing Leftovers

Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chips will soften, but the flavor will still be there.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place leftovers on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese re-melts, about 5-7 minutes.

Freezing Components

While assembled nachos don’t freeze well, the beef and bean mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for quick nacho assembly another day.

FAQs

Can I prepare the beef mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef and bean mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly super quick when you’re ready to eat. Just reheat the mixture before layering it with the chips and cheese.
How do I keep my nachos from getting soggy?

The key is using sturdy, thick tortilla chips and making sure your beef mixture isn’t too wet. Drain excess liquid from the meat before assembling, and serve immediately after adding the toppings. For parties, consider assembling and baking in batches rather than making one giant portion that sits out.
Can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and either double the black beans or add another bean variety like pinto. You could also substitute plant-based ground “meat” or seasoned lentils. The taco seasoning works wonderfully with these alternatives for equally flavorful vegetarian nachos.
What’s the best cheese for nachos?

While this recipe calls for cheddar, the best cheese for nachos melts easily and has good flavor. A combination of cheeses often works best – try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack for optimal meltability with flavor. Avoid using only hard cheeses like Parmesan, as they don’t create that gooey texture we all love in nachos.

Final Thoughts

These Beef Nachos Supreme are more than just a meal – they’re an experience! Fast enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining, they strike that perfect balance between convenience and wow-factor. The layers of flavors and textures create something truly special that both kids and adults will love. So next time you’re craving something fun and delicious, skip the restaurant and whip up these nachos instead. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

Beef Nachos Supreme Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Print Recipe

Description

Beef Nachos Supreme is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick and easy to prepare. Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, black beans, and crispy tortilla chips, this dish is layered with toppings like fresh tomatoes, black olives, cilantro, and jalapeños for a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Make it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick main course!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready when the nachos are assembled.
Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, white onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until the juices run clear and the vegetables are softened.
Season the Mixture
Add the water and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the beef is well-coated with the seasoning. Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet and mix everything together. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Nachos
In a 9×13 baking dish or baking sheet, layer half of the tortilla chips. Spread half of the beef mixture on top of the chips, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortilla chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
Bake the Nachos
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove the baking dish from the oven.
Add Toppings and Serve
Top the baked nachos with fresh cherry tomatoes, black olives, cilantro, jalapeño slices, and green onions. Add dollops of sour cream and salsa if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

To add more heat, use spicy taco seasoning or incorporate hot sauce into the beef mixture.
Make it vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or extra beans.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
For added crunch, try using a mix of tortilla chip flavors.